w123 brake hardline fittings - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

old_ · #1 03-26-2009, 03:58 AM

I just recently noticed the brake hardline to the front right side is badly rusted right where it bends under the battery, through the fenderwell. I need to replace this line but I am unsure of what size fittings I will need. After a little searching here I have found that size 3/16 hard line with bubble flares can be used but I was unable to confirm the correct size fitting that will be required. Does anyone have this information? thanks!

t walgamuth · #2 03-26-2009, 05:55 AM

Get an approximate length and go to the auto parts store and buy the line. Its a standard metric thread. Just be sure to buy one that is longer not shorter.

If you are mechanically inclined you can do it easily. It will bend easily. just put your thumbs on the inside of the area being bent so it won't kink and bend it to match the one you take out.

fruitcakesa · #3 03-26-2009, 08:42 AM

I have a tubing bender that handles 1/4.3/8 and 1/2 inch tubing.
I believe I bought it from a plumbing supply house
It is great for bending all types of small tube.

WD8CDH · #4 03-26-2009, 10:29 AM

What is the actual size of the hardline? It looks closer to 3/16" than 5mm.

old_ · #5 03-26-2009, 11:48 AM

I am very mechanically inclined and this is not my first time dealing with brake line replacement. I would just like to know the correct size fittings that I need to buy before I cut the old line out.

OldPokey · #6 03-26-2009, 01:15 PM

Napa has the fittings. Autozone has the line with fittings installed and with the proper flares on the ends. They are bubble flare fittings - not the U.S. standard double flare fittings. Don't mix them up, the system won't seal.

I took mine off and went down there and bought what matched.

Diesel911 · #7 03-26-2009, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldPokey

Napa has the fittings. Autozone has the line with fittings installed and with the proper flares on the ends. They are bubble flare fittings - not the U.S. standard double flare fittings. Don't mix them up, the system won't seal.

I took mine off and went down there and bought what matched.

Added later: Thanks for the Info. with the name I was able to look it up; they indeed have Bubble Flaring tools; as seen on Ebay.

Is there a Bubble Flare tool like there is for Single and Double flaring your own tubing?

I tried do an internet search several weeks ago but did not know the (Bubble Flare) name until today.

KAdams4458 · #8 03-27-2009, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Diesel911

Added later: Thanks for the Info. with the name I was able to look it up; they indeed have Bubble Flaring tools; as seen on Ebay.

Is there a Bubble Flare tool like there is for Single and Double flaring your own tubing?

I tried do an internet search several weeks ago but did not know the (Bubble Flare) name until today.

Yep. I have this one. You can get cheaper kits for bubble flares only, but if you ever work on multiple cars, it makes sense to get a kit that will do everything. I no longer fear broken brake lines on anything. They mention that this kit isn't recommended for stainless tubing, but if you lube up the dies with brake fluid, it makes great flares on stainless.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=1102

It takes a few practise attempts to get the bubble flares to come out perfectly, and you'll need to add a tubing cutter to that kit. I recommend a small one like this, because they are easy to use when lines are still attached to the car, and you have little space to work in.

http://www.lislecorp.com/tool_detail.cfm?detail=993

Tubing benders are, in my opinion, usually very overpriced. The cheapo versions you can get at Harbor Freight work as well as anything out there, and I use them exclusively.

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=3755

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=94571

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=65794

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=95782

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=97602

Seems like a lot of benders, right? Well, they all have their uses. Some bends work better in some places with different tools. I take my brake line forming seriously, so hand bending is reserved for minor tweaking. It's not a problem with kinking tubes when bending them by hand and eye, but one of work hardening the metal which can result in failure.