Flaring brake lines

I am still working on my dual master cylinder swap. I am trying to set a record for taking the most amount of time to get it done. I've never flared brake lines before but bought a flaring tool and have been practicing on old lines. Any tips that I should know about would be appreciated.

 

Do a google on it.. there are some good tips/write ups with photos out there..

 

mild steel is much easier to flare than stainless.

 

I hope you bought a double flaring tool. A single flare doesn't really work on brakes.

 

It's a double flaring tool but my flares aren't even, that's were my troubles are right now.

 

If your using a tubing cutter there shouldn't be a problem with uneven ends, however trying to cut the lines straight with a hack saw can cause problems.

 

Oh yeah, install fittings on line before flaring other end of tube! AMHIK. DOH!!! Buy some extra line and practice doing flares, be sure and deburr ends outside and inside.

 

I just measure the lengths I need and buy them already made. Cheap and no worries. Just need a cheap bender to make the bends.

 

I've been practicing . . . reading techniques off the web . . . etc., etc., etc.

My advise (based on recent practice but very little experience . . . I'm sure there are many others here on the board who have been doing this a long time, even have been paid for doing it . . . )

1) Make sure you cut your tubing square (i.e., 90* to the length of the tube). Use a good sharp tubing cutter or some recommend using a cut-off saw.

2) De-bur and slightly bevel both inside and out side of the tube. You can use a fine flat file for the outside and a 45* countersink drill (by hand!) for the inside of the tube.

3) Make sure you secure the tubing in the flare tool with the proper amount of tube exposed. If it is too long it will have a tendency to bend to one side or the other.

4) Use a small amount of lite oil on the end of the tube. 3in1, MMO, etc. You should clean the ends w/ brake cleaner before you assemble your brakes.

5) Tighten the flare tool slowly and smoothly watching the tubing flare as you go. This may be easier if you secure the flare tool in a vise.

6) If all else fails, spend the $300 for the MasterCool Universal Hydraulic Flaring Tool Set.

 

I would have to agree with drexotic. I think the most important thing is to watch the flare, and make sure when your making the first flare, you keep the flare fitting going as square as possible. I would have to agree mounting the flare tool in a vise may make it easier. I found the larger line's are a real pain to flare, the smaller lines seemed easier to me. When figuring the lenght of the finished line keep in mind what you loose to the flare, I would go alittle longer, you can always make a small bend to make the line work, and the biggest thing...TAKE YOUR TIME.