More brake install questions

[86 inches]

When replacing brake line is it ok to reuse the tee fittings welded to the frame and axles?

I’m guessing that because these are inverted flares that there is no need to use a pipe thread sealant?

[CatFan]

As long as they seal it shouldn't be an issue. Take the opportunity to be sure they are clear. A member here found he had a piece of debris caught in a fitting that was acting as a check valve.

[86 inches]

I cleaned them carefully with brake cleaner.

No sealant?

[CatFan]

I cleaned them carefully with brake cleaner.

No sealant?

No sealant

[86 inches]

Thanks CatFan

[billnorman1]

Active brake line components welded to the frame? Something new to me but i'm sure it's possible.

[86 inches]

Active brake line components welded to the frame? Something new to me but i'm sure it's possible.

Like this...

[billnorman1]

Those are brackets welded, the tees bolt to them.

[CatFan]

Those are brackets welded, the tees bolt to them.

Mine were welded to the brackets and the axle. Had to get new ones when I changed my axle.

[86 inches]

I think my tees are stamped to the bracket. No bolts.

[86 inches]

I’ll take another look. I would like to change them out. Everything else is new

[OldTimer57]

BTW that is called a "double flare" fitting. It is a two step flare process that doesn't use the traditional plumbing copper tube flare tool.

[86 inches]

Dumb question of the day:

My steel brake line came in coils. How do you uncoil them to make them nice and straight. I did one my hand and its OK I guess. Not gonna win any awards. Is there a better way?

[rocket man]

You can buy straight sections at a parts store, but the longest is 6'. Just work by hand . You wont see them anyway.

[86 inches]

I bought my brake line from EZLOADER because they sold them in pre-made straight sections. I usually like to learn new skills and love an excuse to buy new tools but for a couple of reasons I took a pass on mastering the double inverted flare. EZLoader had the lengths I needed so I ordered them.

When my parts arrived, I was surprised to find they had coiled up each section into tight 6” coils. I tried straightening one and it didn’t turn it out so well. So, i asked here and started googling how to straighten brake line. This is the first time that I’ve done brakes so I’m new at this.

I learned that there are tools for this. One of the most popular is from Brakequip - over $400. I found a few tips online on how to straighten tubing without a costly specialty tool but most of those work best with tubing that hasn’t been flared yet.

I ended up taking my tightly colied tubing to a local tubing and hose shop and the guy was happy to run them through his straightener. I bought him lunch and learned a few things from him. He told me the stuff from a lot of the chain auto parts store is pretty much crap and while my tubing from EZLOADER was better and would work fine for my application, it was still lower quality stuff from China. He had thicker walled made in the USA tubing that if I had known existed and where to get it before, I probably would have got it. He also showed me how to roll out a coil on a bench top and then work it by hand to get a reasonably straight piece without an expensive straightener.

I got home with my straightened brake line and with a few different sized sockets proceeded to bend them into shape to fit my trailer. A few sections were a challenge to get just right but they turned out really nice.

[86 inches]

Guess I should paint them...

[rocket man]

Looks like a professional job. Nice work.

[Bob G.]

Nice job!

[rocket man]

I just seen a torque wrench lying on the floor. Im proud of ya. Most guys wouldn't use one for that job.

[86 inches]

I just seen a torque wrench lying on the floor. Im proud of ya. Most guys wouldn't use one for that job.

I’m an overtightner by nature. I guy’s gotta know his limitations. LOL