

| Subject: | Re: lost brake line... |
| From: | Karl Mullendore |
| Date: | Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:27:36 -0500 |
In my experience, the selection of available brake line lengths (bubble flare, metric, 3/16" diameter) is usually good enough that one does not need to make a custom length. The dealer certainly wont be of any help for this any more. Just buy the size nearest what you need by taking the old one / pieces of the old one and un-bending it to measure the length. Karl Ken Wilford wrote: > Robert, first of all praise God this didn't cause an accident and you > and your family are OK. Second if this line has failed due to rust a > full inspection of all of your brake lines is in order. I have found > that the most likely spot for these to fail is in the rear where the > line dips down around the nose of the transmission. If yours has failed > up front, it is probably is sorry shape elsewhere. The fun part is that > in order to repair this properly you are going to need some new line, > fittings and a bubble flaring tool. I bought my flare tool at NAPA for > over $100 (I think it was something like $125). A regular flaring tool > will not work, it needs to be a bubble flare. Standard fittings will > not work, must but the proper metric ones for the Vanagon. You may have > to buy these through the dealer or I could supply them for you if you > wish. You can get the proper metal line from NAPA though. > > Splicing metal lines with compression fittings is NOT a recommended > repair for brake lines and can have severe legal repercussions if you > have an accident with doctored brake lines. My local NAPA would not > sell the compression fittings for this reason (liability). We are > talking about brakes here. Your safety and the safety of others on the > road with you is worth doing this job right the first time.
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