1988 300 SEL brake/fuel hard line replacement help - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Rev. Buzz · #1 02-26-2016, 09:12 PM

I recently picked up a very clean 1988 300 sel. The hard lines front to rear are rusted threw.
I'm hoping to find a complete set off another 300sel.
I Need Help Please. I Might Have To Rebend New Lines & that Will Be A Big Job For Me.
Email jimbbusby@gmail.com
Thank You All.
Rev. Buzz

dkveuro · #2 02-26-2016, 11:03 PM

NAPA sells steel brake lines. IIRC longest at about 6 ft. They sell line to line threaded connectors too. Do not use compression fittings for line to line fitting.

They come in metric and American so make sure you get correct end flairs and line nuts.

.

werminghausen · #3 02-27-2016, 11:43 AM

It is not difficult to rebuild brake lines but you need a good flanging tool. Don't use the cheap tools. Instead invest in a good one..costs maybe $150, Eastwood. And get a bending and cutting tool for the lines. With these 3 tools and some lines and fitting from an autopart store you can rebuild any brake line.
I have done this several times.

Martin

Stretch · #4 02-28-2016, 03:45 AM

X2 on not bothering with cheap flaring tools.

Some motor factors will make up a length of brake line for you with the fittings and the flares in place. You then just need to buy a decent bending tool (here in Holland that will cost you between 40 and 70 euros for a good / OK one)

Mxfrank · #5 02-28-2016, 08:05 AM

My experience is that it's just about impossible to bend these lines to the right shape. if you order from Mercedes, they supply you with unbent lines, and they come in the longest shipping tube that UPS can carry. Without a lift, you have to lie on your back while maneuvering six feet of tube around, creating various compound curves. After the first couple of bends, you won't have enough clearance and you'll have to eyeball the angles and do the work on the bench. When you bring the tube back to the car, you'll find that your eyeballs have failed you. It's hours of torture.

What's worked best for me is to take a long piece of line and cut it in half, which makes each end of the job much easier. And while it's true that you can't use compression fittings on brake line, there's no problem if you use a flare union. And yes, use a good flare tool.

Stretch · #6 02-28-2016, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mxfrank

My experience is that it's just about impossible to bend these lines to the right shape. if you order from Mercedes, they supply you with unbent lines, and they come in the longest shipping tube that UPS can carry. Without a lift, you have to lie on your back while maneuvering six feet of tube around, creating various compound curves. After the first couple of bends, you won't have enough clearance and you'll have to eyeball the angles and do the work on the bench. When you bring the tube back to the car, you'll find that your eyeballs have failed you. It's hours of torture.

What's worked best for me is to take a long piece of line and cut it in half, which makes each end of the job much easier. And while it's true that you can't use compression fittings on brake line, there's no problem if you use a flare union. And yes, use a good flare tool.

I've got one of these

Brake Pipe / Tube Bender - Brake Lines Bending Tool (3/16 - 3/8 inch) | Frost Auto Restoration Techniques

Works really well even on steel pipes (though you need to have had your shreddies for breakfast)