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solder or replace brake line?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by dallasdrifter, May 8, 2011.

  1. dallasdrifter
    Joined: Apr 7, 2011
    Posts: 72

    dallasdrifter
    Member
    from dallas tx

    I searched on here and couldn't find a clear answer about pinched brake lines(hardline). So I thought I would see if anyone has an answer to my problem. I was dicking around with some hosing I was removing from the fenderwell. one thing led to another due to bad lighting, and I ended up pinching a hole in my line by the coil. Can I solder it or flux weld it? or do you advise replacing the line? do the replacement lines come flared? this is on an all drum falcon if that helps. thanks, ray
     
    Last edited: May 8, 2011
  2. 30roadster
    Joined: Aug 19, 2003
    Posts: 1,793

    30roadster
    Member

    Do it right... replace line.
     
  3. Koz
    Joined: May 5, 2008
    Posts: 2,699

    Koz
    Member

    Definitly a replacement! AutoZone, Napa, etc. have brake lines dirt cheap. It just ain't worth it. Pull the line and measure it to get the closest length. I highly reommend the epoxy coated lines. They form beautifly by hand and last longer than a Falcon.

    My 2 Cents.
     
  4. scottybaccus
    Joined: Mar 13, 2006
    Posts: 4,109

    scottybaccus
    Member

    normal brake pressure can exceed 1200 psi. Do you have really trick solder?
     

  5. Lobucrod
    Joined: Mar 22, 2006
    Posts: 4,122

    Lobucrod
    Alliance Vendor
    from Texas

  6. hotrod_32
    Joined: Mar 8, 2006
    Posts: 496

    hotrod_32
    Member

    only one thing to do...replace !
     
  7. gimpyshotrods
    Joined: May 20, 2009
    Posts: 23,264

    gimpyshotrods
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Replace. When in ANY doubt, always replace.

    You can buy pre-flared lines in numerous lengths, or buy a double-flaring too and DIY.
     
  8. Replace it ! IF it was a band spanking new line (I'm assuming it wasn't) you had damaged then you would possibly ok to cut the damage out and flare each end / fit a union . I don't recommend you do this with an old line . Bundy tube/fittings are cheap compared to some of the consequences of not doing this job the right way .


    .
     
  9. Soldering or welding up of a brake line is a no no,,I mean NO NO.

    NAPA or any other reputable auto parts houses have brake line in various lengths,already flared.
    Take your old 'coil' off,,un-roll in to straight as possible,,measure it,,go to parts house.
    Get a new stick of line that's a little bit longer & make a new 'coil',,install,,bleed brakes,,drive.

    Safety first here on the HAMB!
     
  10. TagMan
    Joined: Dec 12, 2002
    Posts: 6,294

    TagMan
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Soldering a brake line = death wish !
     
  11. Ebbsspeed
    Joined: Nov 11, 2005
    Posts: 6,250

    Ebbsspeed
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Solder is for wiring and radiators, not brake lines. Another strong recommendation to replace from here in Kansas.
     
  12. dallasdrifter
    Joined: Apr 7, 2011
    Posts: 72

    dallasdrifter
    Member
    from dallas tx

    alright. I see a whole hearted agreement on replacing the line. Thanks for the advice. I will take off the line tomorrow. I see that oreilly sells the length i need for 25 bucks.
     
  13. clockwork31
    Joined: Sep 28, 2010
    Posts: 439

    clockwork31
    Member

    brakes and steering, two things that needs to be "like new" all the time, REPLACE the line. Better be safe than sorry !
     
  14. Rich Rogers
    Joined: Apr 8, 2006
    Posts: 2,018

    Rich Rogers
    Member

    The amount of pressure that can be put through a brake line and to solder it?? is Russian Roulette. It would be only a matter of time. Replace it without even thinking about it
     
  15. Of course you need to replace it

    unless it has great sentimental value or something JK
     
  16. The parts store has the line you need for 25.00? Look for a new parts store. Steel line is cheap.
     
  17. Johnny Gee
    Joined: Dec 3, 2009
    Posts: 12,602

    Johnny Gee
    Member
    from Downey, Ca

    :eek: SOLDER !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
     
  18. roundvalley
    Joined: Apr 10, 2005
    Posts: 1,776

    roundvalley
    Member

    You must really be good if you can solder or weld up a brake line!
    Replace it and don't become a organ donor.
     
  19. need louvers ?
    Joined: Nov 20, 2008
    Posts: 12,903

    need louvers ?
    Member

    I second this! I just picked up a 60" length of 5/16" line for the girlfriends car and it was 8.00 and some change... Thought that was a bit dear! All the lines on the brakes on a Falcon are 3/16" ad should be about that price or less.
     
  20. DocsMachine
    Joined: Feb 8, 2005
    Posts: 289

    DocsMachine
    Member
    from Alaska

    Aw, go ahead and solder it! I did that once, and I only died a little bit when I overran that corner and hit the busload of nuns. Heck, the car wasn't even that badly damaged- all we had to do was replace everything forward of the rear axle, plus a hipbone and a handful of teeth. And most of the nuns.

    :D

    Doc.
     
  21. dallasdrifter
    Joined: Apr 7, 2011
    Posts: 72

    dallasdrifter
    Member
    from dallas tx

    25 dollars for a 25 foot roll. i need alot more than what comes in a pre cut package. hey, i've read about people braze welding copper pipe around brake line holes. thought i would see if its passable until i had time to replace the line.
     
  22. dvzdeathtrap
    Joined: Nov 30, 2010
    Posts: 125

    dvzdeathtrap
    Member
    from austin, tx

    you can rent-a-tool from autozone (SAE double flaring tool) and just take it back or keep it. thats what i did. its' pretty easy to flare a line. if you have never done it before, there are many videos on you-tube. gotta love this intenet machine device thing... i strongly recommend practicing flaring on leftover line after you cut the lengths you need. cut long too. oh, and also remember to put the brake end fitting on the line before you flare. haha not saying i've done that or anything. good luck and saftey is definitely key. do it right. -DVZ
     
  23. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    The length you need should be way under 25.00 more like five or six or less.

    It's best to use a tube bender or at least wrap it around something round to put the bends in it. That will help save it from kinking.
     
  24. GaryB
    Joined: Dec 19, 2008
    Posts: 3,529

    GaryB
    Member
    from Reno,nv

    seeing how you have another thread about selling this car,just tell the buyer how you fixed the punctured line
     
  25. ddawg16
    Joined: Apr 10, 2011
    Posts: 60

    ddawg16
    Member
    from So CA

    Nice to see everyone has the same (and right) opinion.......

    Having done a lot of brake line fabrication.....I'm a big fan of In Line Tube.....especially their stainless steel stuff.....
     
  26. rjaustin421
    Joined: May 1, 2009
    Posts: 337

    rjaustin421
    Member

    To me there is no repair other than replace it. I am experienced in doing some creative (read that shaky) repairs to keep daily drivers going like using a black bungee cord for a carburetor return but I never ever shortchange brakes.

    That being said...when I was 19 I worked a summer job at an MG dealership in my hometown. The mechanic was a 1950's factory motorcycle racer from Hungary and had a reputation of being a giant among foreign car mechanics. We had a MG Midget come in with no brakes due to the brake line rotting away where it passed in front of the under hood mounted battery.

    Well George the Hungarian said he was going to solder a piece of 1/4" line that would be sleeved over the 3/16" line. The protests of this know nothing helper (and I really knew nothing) went unheeded and that brake line was repaired by soldering and the sucker left with the brakes working.

    41 years later and I am still amazed at the stupidity that went into that repair.
     
  27. 51 MERC-CT
    Joined: Apr 5, 2005
    Posts: 1,594

    51 MERC-CT
    Member

    You can put two or more ready made lengths together with a connector to get the length you need. Don't have to buy a 25 foot roll.
     
  28. bob308
    Joined: Nov 27, 2009
    Posts: 220

    bob308
    Member

    this is a trick question who in their right mind would have to even ask something like this.
     
  29. greazy john
    Joined: Oct 13, 2007
    Posts: 457

    greazy john
    Member

    this is just a quiz!!!! see how many stupid answers we get

    GREAZY HUBCAPZ CC EAST TENN
     
  30. I`m just glad you asked!
     

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