Brake Lines

Flaring and Bending Brake, Fuel and Transmission Lines.

Replacement Brake, Transmission and Fuel lines are easy to create with a little practice and patience paired with the right tools and knowledge from Eastwood. Follow along with us as we go through the process from start to finish.

Begin with an Eastwood O.E. Style Brake, Transmission & Fuel Tubing Kit. These are available in 3/16”, ¼”, 5/16” & 3/8” sizes all in OEM type 0.028 wall thickness corrosion resistant steel tubing; they include 25’ of tubing and all required fittings.

Using a tubing cutter, cut about 4 or 5 one foot long pieces for practice in creating perfect flares. (Be sure to always remove burrs form inside and outside the tubing).

In this feature as an example, we are using kit # 49053 including 3/16” tubing and 16 flare fittings to create standard SAE double flare brake lines.

Using Eastwood’s # 25304

or # 11535 flaring tool kits, select the 3/16” die set and following tool instructions, place the end of the tubing in the clamping dies of the tool at the proper location and tighten per instructions.

Place a very small amount of Anti-Seize compound on the face of the forming die to reduce effort, eliminate galling and splitting of the tube end. (Always be sure to remove all traces of Anti-Seize before placing brake line in service to avoid contamination).

Depending on which tool you choose, follow forming sequence on instructions slowly and carefully and after doing so, remove the tool and inspect the finished flare. It should be evenly formed with a smooth double flare (tubing will be folded back over itself inside a 45 degree conical shape) with no cracks.

Do not be discouraged if at first your flare isn’t quite perfect. After several more practice tries with the pre-cut sections you WILL be creating perfect flares worthy of boasting about!

With confidence, you are now ready to create a replacement brake line complete with all factory bends.

Begin by measuring the length of line required using the original damaged line (if available) as a guide. Measure all runs and bends in the old line and add the figures to get the final length. (If in question, it is better to over estimate and have a longer piece than a shorter line that won’t fit).
If an old line is not available or you are constructing from scratch, purchase some inexpensive lengths of 1/8” mild steel rod at your local home supply store to plan where your finished line will go and make a template for your finished line. Using this template as a guide, measure all the runs and total the figure as previously described.

IMPORTANT DETAIL: Be sure to first place the fittings on the line with the open ends facing outward then create your flares.

Slide and keep the fittings over the finished flares and using the old line or a wire template as a guide, begin your bends starting near the center and work outward using the Eastwood # 49106 Versatile 180° Tubing Bender to make all major bends. Trial fit your piece frequently and use the Eastwood # 49074 Brake Tubing Forming Pliers to make final minor tweaks and bends. Attach the finished line to the brake components, add fluid and test for leaks.

Congratulations, you are now a professional!

As always, Eastwood offers the hobbyist the latest and best in equipment and supplies to help make that prized possession the best it can be.