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Old 06-07-2014, 08:42 PM
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Graham Graham is offline
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 4,463
Replace hard brake lines with flex.

I have the unfortunate problem of an almost rounded passenger side flare nut on my brake system and the joint is still not apart. (where flex connects to hard)

Option 1> Use special vice grip and 14mm flare wrench to get existing apart.

Option 2> Cut and remove existing line and install new full length steel line with pre-installed bubble flares.

Option 3> Cut and remove existing line and install new full length cupronickel line with or without pre-installed bubble flares.

Option 4> Cut existing line where it comes through into wheel well and install a new flare nut and a bubble flare union.

Option 5> Run flex line all way from MC to caliper.

Comments on Options 1-4 and 5:
- Option 1 may work and is my first choice. But nut may get mangled.
- Option 2 will be hard to achieve because of multiple bends needed and tight space to thread line through.
- Option 3 requires bubble flares to be made in place. I would need to buy a flaring tool and practice a little first! But if I can find a shop to put the flares on, perhaps I could then bend the cupronickel by hand as I go?
- Option 4 requires bubble flares to be made in place but at least access is easy.
- Finally option 5. I read on some other forums, that some BMW and other owners have run flex lines all way from MC to calipers on all 4 wheels. And some of these guys are racing. They say it works well! Anyone heard of that on a 123/126? And then where do I source the lines? Certainly would be easier to feed the lines across the back of engine!
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Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5
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