Stripped Brake Line - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ara T. · #1 10-18-2005, 06:44 PM

When I was putting in my new master cylinder, the nut on one of the brake lines that connect to the master cylinder stripped. It wont screw into the old or the new one...i am pissed off.

Has anyone had experience with this? I dont think you can get the nut off, I guess I need a new metal brake line, i don't know how easy those are to replace or how much it would cost.

engatwork · #2 10-18-2005, 06:49 PM

The part is not to expensive but it is putting the "bends" in it that make it a little tedious. Also, based on which one it is there may be quite a few parts to get out of the way to get the proper routing.

Stevo · #3 10-18-2005, 08:14 PM

I needed to replace one on my old F250 and decided to have a pro do it because, its tough to get those bends right.

leathermang · #4 10-18-2005, 08:22 PM

Steel brake lines ( the only metal kind I recommend ) need double flares to be strong...

If you wind up needing to bend it yourself tightly pack sand inside to minimize the tendency to crimp in the bends...

Then it would probably be a good thing to really clean it before installing it...

nazrat · #5 10-18-2005, 08:31 PM

Let us know which line it is. Some of us have parts cars and would let a brake line go for peanuts (literally).

-Tad

Ara T. · #6 10-18-2005, 08:48 PM

This definitely sounds like a pro job.

Anyway, its the line that is closest to the fusebox. That would be awesome if someone had one I could buy.

nazrat · #7 10-18-2005, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ara T.

This definitely sounds like a pro job.

Anyway, its the line that is closest to the fusebox. That would be awesome if someone had one I could buy.

So that one runs from the master cyl down to the right front wheel? If so, it's easy to ship. I'm pretty sure that I have one.

-Tad

t walgamuth · #8 10-18-2005, 09:25 PM

buy a new line at the auto parts store and bend it yourself. it isnt too hard. i have done it many many times. also if youcan find an old timey mechanic with a flare tool you can just get him to cut off your line and install a new fitting.

the line

good luck.

tom w

Ara T. · #9 10-18-2005, 09:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nazrat

So that one runs from the master cyl down to the right front wheel? If so, it's easy to ship. I'm pretty sure that I have one.

-Tad

Yeah its that brake line.

nazrat · #10 10-18-2005, 09:58 PM

Ok, the car that is stripped has half of that line. Strike one. The car that I'm starting on this weekend has it. Can you wait for me to pull it off this weekend?

-Tad

kip Foss · #11 10-18-2005, 10:49 PM

Folks, I don't mean to burst your bubble about bending brake lines but Harbor Freight sells a 3 size tubing bender for about $9. I use this same model at work and it works great.

In your wildest dream don't try the 'back with sand' trick. Brake tubing is too small for this and you will never get all the sand out. Between tubing benders, conduit benders, and hydraulic pipe benders there is no reason to try the 'pack with sand' trick. Besides this is normally used to bend large dia. pipe in a fab shop using a torch. If you try it with a torch remember to DRY your sand first.

whunter · #12 10-18-2005, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kip Foss

In your wildest dream don't try the 'pack with sand' trick. Brake tubing is too small for this and you will never get all the sand out. Between tubing benders, conduit benders, and hydraulic pipe benders there is no reason to try the 'pack with sand' trick. Besides this is normally used to bend large diameter pipe in a fabrication shop using a torch. If you try it with a torch remember to DRY your sand first.

What, you don't like big explosions at arms length???

RE: DRY your sand first.

Fact:
The explosion or shrapnel can disable, disfigure or KILL you.
Under the wrong conditions, the moist sand at each end acts like a plug, the torch super heats the sand = flashes the moisture to superheat steam = massive expansion.

The result can = packing the barrel of a rifle with mud, then pulling the trigger.

Ara T. · #13 10-18-2005, 11:32 PM

Ive no idea what these brake line benders are or look like... should I go for stuff at the dealer only or try generic Autozone crap? I hope I wont go through all this trouble to find the brake lines, bend them, and then find that the new MC is stripped as well.

leathermang · #14 10-19-2005, 12:06 AM

Some of you guys having out of control imaginations...

Wind instrument makers use pitch inside before bending instruments.

Try reading my post and telling me where you see the concept of using heat in this bending process.... you had to put words into my mouth to come up with that objection.

t walgamuth · #15 10-19-2005, 12:16 AM

but found it always is a lot faster and easier to bend them by hand.

tom w