The brake line is an important factor in car upkeep and therefore requires lots of attention from workers. The brake system’s reliability depends heavily on the integrity of its components, including the brake lines. Among the key equipment used in the procedure, is the brake line flaring tool that is required to flare the ends of the brake line to enable perfect connection. Nevertheless, the following are the typical errors that may weaken these flares.
In this blog, we will discuss these mistakes and how not to make them and also discuss copper nickel braze lines copper nickel brake lines, inverted flare fittings, and brake line fittings.
Choosing the Wrong Material: Copper Nickel Fuel Line and Other Material
It is vital when working with brake lines to be very selective with the kind of material to be used. Copper nickel brake lines are particularly advised to be used because of their high corrosion resistance, flexibility, and relative simplicity in usage. However, a mistake that people make is going for cheaper and low-quality materials like steel or normal copper.
Copper nickel fuel lines (Cu-Ni) are longer lasting than steel and are not prone to rust like steel. They are also easier to bend and flare, which decreases the chances of the pipe cracking or splitting during flaring. Copper nickel brake lines are durable and safe investments for long-term use.
Improper Measurement and Cutting of Brake Lines
When working with brake lines it is important to be very careful when measuring and cutting the pieces. Another common mistake that is made is the wrong length of the brake line being chosen, and this results in either short or long brake lines. This can lead to problems with fitting and may cause leaks.
This can be avoided by confirming the measurements before cutting. One has to cut the brake line with a high-quality tube cutter for brake lines to get a clean and straight cut. Do not use hacksaws or other tools that will result in burrs and rough edges that can weaken the flare.
Failure to Assemble the Brake Line End Correctly
Before flaring, there must be adequate preparation for the end of the brake line to be flared. One mistake that can be made is not degreasing the interior and exterior of the cut brake line. When burrs are left, it becomes very hard to maintain a smooth and even flare, which results in contraction that leads to leakage.
Check that the brake line is firmly fitted in the clamp such that a required amount of the tubing extends to form the flare. One must follow the tool’s instructions properly because the positioning, as well as the technique, is very crucial when it comes to creating a flare.
Inconsistent Flaring Pressure
One has to apply equal amounts of pressure when flaring the brake line. One mistake that most people make is applying different pressure, this leads to an unequal flare. This will lead to inadequate sealing and perhaps a brake fluid leak.
While using the flaring tool, make sure to apply equal pressure to ensure uniform flare. Do not hurry through the process, but allow sufficient time to get it right. Repeating the same is critical in getting a perfect flare that will fit tightly with the brake line fittings.
Having the Wrong Type of Flare
The brake lines use various types of flares, though one of the most familiar is the inverted flare type. Post installation, a common error made is the incorrect flare type for the fittings in use.
Inverted flare fittings need an inverted flare also called a double flare to connect properly. Be sure that you are familiar with the kind of fittings you are working with and proceed to make the right flare. Inconsistencies in the flares and the fittings can result in leaks and brake system complications.
Skipping the Test Fit
Once one has formed a flare, one should check whether it is compatible with the brake line fittings before making it permanent. An error that is often made is thinking that the flare is already perfect and therefore neglecting this step.
The test fitting enables one to confirm that the flare seats fit well on the fittings and that there are no spaces or misplacement. This step can help you avoid some leaks and the subsequent need to flare again.
Neglecting Brake Line Clips
Hose clamps serve the key purpose of holding the brake hose to cars’ frames and other parts to minimize movement and vibrations. The general mistake is not mounting these clips appropriately or even not fitting them in any way.
Make sure you are using the right brake line clips for your car and apply them at the right time. This aids in keeping the brake line in the correct position as well as lessening stress in the flare connections hence, negating leaks or even harm.
Failure to Undertake Routine Maintenance and Inspection
Even with correctly flared and installed brake lines, regular maintenance and inspection are vital. One of the biggest mistakes is when people think that after brake lines have been fitted in, there is no need to check them.
Check the brake lines routinely to determine if they are worn out, rusty, or have developed some leaks. Ensure that you pay a lot of attention to the flared ends and the fittings as these are normally the areas that give way. Brake system maintenance should be done as often as possible to guarantee longer and safer use of the system.
Why Brake Line Fittings Are Vital?
Selecting the Right Fittings
Brake line fittings should match the brake line flare and the material that is used in brake lines. Copper nickel brake lines require special fittings for this material since they are made to fit the material tightly and create a good seal. According to the brake systems, the inverted flare fittings are popular and it is essential to couple these fittings with right double flares.
Avoiding Cross-Threading
One of the mistakes that people make when attaching the brake line fittings is that they can easily create a cross-threading to the fitting as well as the brake line. To avoid this, begin screwing the fitting by hand before you have to resort to using a tool. This way you can ensure that the threads are correctly oriented and will not interlock with each other thereby causing cracking.
Ensuring Proper Torque
It is important to apply the correct amount of torque on the brake line fittings for the connection to be very tight. Excessive tightening can compromise the flare and the fitting whereas loose tightening can cause leaks. Torque the brake line fittings to the manufacturer’s specified torque using a torque wrench.
Conclusion
It is very important to apply the brake line flaring tool properly to produce good leak-proof joints in a brake system. Thus, by not committing these errors wrong selection of material such as copper nickel brake lines, wrong measurement, and cutting, improper shaping of the brake line ends, wrong usage of the flaring tool, wrong pressure application, the wrong type of flare selection, wrong test fitting, wrong fixing of brake line clips and wrong periodical maintenance you can ensure the safety and durability of the brake lines. Contact The Stop Shop to find quality car maintenance materials and all the help you need to ensure your car’s performance and safety.