BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT BEST PRACTICES
                     BRAKE LINE REPLACEMENT BEST PRACTICES
Mark Sanford
Writer at Brake System University providing advice, 
reviews and information on brake system components 
including 
brake line repair cost advice from brake system university 
/ brake line repair kit from brake system university.
If you are halfway decent with your hands and have at least somewhat of a 
mechanical inclination, you can replace your vehicle’s brake lines on your 
own. However, this is not the type of project you jump right into without 
any preparation. Rather, you need an overarching strategy to perform 
brake line replacement that stands the test of time and ensures your 
automobile functions exactly as it should. Let’s take a quick look at a few 
tidbits of advice that will help you replace your brake lines properly.
RESIST THE TEMPTATION TO REPLACE YOUR BRAKE LINES WITH STEEL
Metal brake lines in vehicles are typically comprised of steel in an attempt 
to reduce overhead costs. However, steel is problematic as it can corrode, 
especially during the winter months as a result of exposure to salt on the 
roads. Opt to upgrade your brake line to copper-nickel, and you won’t have 
to worry about corrosion or rust.
DO NOT USE THE SAME FITTINGS FROM THE OLD LINE
It is possible to take off the fittings from the old brake line and simply 
reuse them on your replacement line. However, doing so can prove to be 
quite problematic. It is better to use completely new fittings as your old 
ones might be corroded or cracked. Furthermore, there is a chance the old 
fittings’ threads have been damaged.
INVEST IN THE RIGHT BENDING, FLARING AND CUTTING TOOLS
Do not attempt to cut costs by resorting to cheap, old, or faulty tools for cutting, 
bending, or flaring. New tools for brake line replacement hit the market 
surprisingly frequently. These tools help you flare the line with surprising ease. 
Quality bending tools will allow you to perform tight bends close to the fittings 
without running the risk of deforming the brake line.
ERR ON THE SIDE OF REPLACING MORE OF THE LINE RATHER THAN LESS
Resist the temptation to splice together corroded portions of the brake line. If you 
merely replace the section that leaks, it will cause a comeback. Instead, replace 
the hard line directly from the wheel well, substituting a line without any damage 
whatsoever.
CONSIDER THE BUILD OF THE VEHICLE
Certain automobiles have the front and back suspensions along subframes. In 
other situations, the brake lines positioned on the unibody and subframes are 
connected. This setup has the potential to cause issues if the fuel lines or brake 
require replacement. Removing the subframe was often necessary during the 
time of ridged lines. However, the use of comparably flexible tubing allows for 
forming in place, creating the opportunity to route to points of attachment.
FLARING DIES MUST BE LUBRICATED
If flaring dies are not properly lubricated, they have the potential to suffer 
significant damage. Such damage can prevent the flares from sealing properly. 
The bottom line is you should toss damaged die, strictly using those that are 
undamaged to ensure the flaring is properly lubricated.
BE PRECISE WITH THE FLARE
It will take some attention to detail and coordination to seal brake likes with 2,000 
psi. The female and male components of the fitting are upwards of five degrees 
different than the sealing surfaces. In certain situations, the flare is designed in a 
manner that compresses or crushes onto the surface to create a seal, meaning the 
tolerances will increase quite fast. Do not settle for a line that is not perfectly 
clamped or one that is not perfectly centered as cutting these metaphorical 
corners will lead to leaking in due time.
About Brake System U
Brake System University is a micro site giving advice, reviews, and technical 
information on various brake system components like brake lines, brake 
line kits, and ABS sensors. Brake System University connects you to high 
quality, genuine brake system replacement parts including  replacement 
brake lines, replacement ABS sensors, replacement brake line kits that 
have been tested and reviewed by experts. If you want to replace any 
component of your brake system, then this 
site(https://brakesystems.autopartsu.com/) will helps you in choosing the 
right component. Brake System University connects you to trusted reviews 
and referrals to help you easily make a purchase decision.