Repairing Guides

how to repair brake line with compression fitting

by Darrick Langworth IV Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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1. Unscrew the brake line from the fitting. 2. Clamp the appropriate-sized collet around the line. 3. Connect it to the Surseat lapping tool. 4. Spray some lubricant to the lapping head before using it. 5. Rotate the lapping head back and forth about 6-10 times. 6. Clean and inspect the flare. There should be a smooth, concentric finish.

Part of a video titled Connecting brake lines with a compression fitting - YouTube
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Full Answer

How to loosen brake line fittings?

The tools you will need are:

  • Rust penetrant and lubricant
  • Flare nut wrench
  • Ratchet and socket
  • Open-end wrench

Is it illegal to use compression fittings on brake lines?

Please use the links below to view or download Rev.06 of the UN Supplier Code of Conduct, which was approved by the High Level Committee on Management – Procurement Network on 9 April 2018.

How to repair and replace brake lines, tubing and fittings?

Tools/Supplies Needed:

  • line wrenches
  • flaring kit
  • new brake line
  • brake line fittings
  • line cutter
  • file
  • brake fluid
  • rags
  • jack and axle stands or ramps

How to safely repair leaking and rusted brake lines?

holding the brake lines in place. Spray the bolts with a generous amount of rust remover. After several minutes, remove the bolts. Step 3 - Replace the Brake Lines. Repairing brake lines is not approved practice, but rather replace entire length of leaking line for a safe and approved repair method. Step 4 - Empty Brake Fluid

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Can you use compression fittings to repair brake lines?

In addition, compression fittings are known to leak when used on brake lines, causing a loss in brake fluid, and ultimately failure of the braking system. You cannot, under any circumstances, use compression fittings to repair the lines on a public transportation vehicle.

Can you use an fittings for brake lines?

Re: An fittings for brakeline? The rule is 3/16 line for brakes, which use -3 fittings (the - number is the number of 16ths, btw) and 1/4 line for clutch hydraulics, which use -4 fittings. You can't use -4 fittings on 3/16 tubing. And generally aluminum on brake lines is a no-no, but perfectly good for clutch lines.

How do you fix a broken metal brake line?

5:3313:04The REAL way to repair metal brake lines ! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou're gonna want to go to any auto parts store and buy a section like this of pre-made brake lineMoreYou're gonna want to go to any auto parts store and buy a section like this of pre-made brake line which will already have flares on it and will always already have nuts on it then.

How do you repair a hole in a brake line?

Using something like Rescue Tape works as a very short-term and temporary fix that gets you to the nearest mechanic, but only if it's a minor leak and there's enough fluid left to get you there. Otherwise, the only way to fix a hole in a brake line is to fully remove and replace that segment of the brake line.

How much pressure can a compression fitting hold?

Maximum working pressure is 400 psi. Nominal working pressure is 200 psi. -65˚ to +250˚F. used with all part numbers to designate tube and pipe fractional sizes.

Are compression fittings safe?

Compression fittings in the world of plumbing are very common. They are a safe way to connect copper pipe without the use of heat making them popular with DIY'ers. Many different types of valves, tees, connectors and utilities require compression fittings in order to make them water tight and safe.

Can you duct tape a brake line?

I'll grant you that duct tape is an amazing product. It can be used in everything from outerwear to appendicitis surgery. But it can't fix your brake lines.

How do you seal a leaking brake line?

0:000:57How to Fix a Brake Fluid Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf your metal brake lines are leaking you'll probably need to purchase some metal tubing and a pipeMoreIf your metal brake lines are leaking you'll probably need to purchase some metal tubing and a pipe bender to fix.

How do you join brake lines together?

1:522:50How to connect brake lines with new fittings & a union - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe line take that on a little bit then I'm going to take the other line here and tighten it on justMoreThe line take that on a little bit then I'm going to take the other line here and tighten it on just a little bit and then we'll start tightening the two of them together.

Can a broken brake line be repaired?

Brake lines aren't routed the same way in all vehicles. However, replacing your brake line is usually a quick process. With a professional mechanic, it takes about one to two hours. Your mechanic will have to remove the old brake line and put in a new one, or splice the bad section and replace it.

What is compression fitting?

Compression fittings can splice pieces or sections of steel brake line together to create a seal between the two sections. The pressure running through brake lines is extremely high. Compression fittings typically are not capable of withstanding this high amount of pressure.

Why do brake lines degrade?

Brake lines are susceptible to becoming brittle, rusting, and leaking, which degrades the reliability of the brake system. Exposure to the elements of nature is the main reason that brake lines degrade.

Is compression fitting good for brake lines?

There are certain instances where using a compression fitting is acceptable , however. If you are repairing the brake lines in a vehicle that is not a passenger car used for everyday road travel and transportation, compression fittings are an acceptable brake line repair.

Can you use compression fittings on passenger cars?

Several states have made the use of compression fittings on passenger cars illegal for this very reason. Therefore, when dealing with passenger cars, the recommendation will always be to replace the brake lines instead of repairing them with a compression fitting. If you are working on your brake line for your everyday vehicle, ...

Can a vehicle that does not travel on public roadways have a brake repair?

Any vehicle that does not travel on public roadways and does not travel at high rates of speed can have a brake repair using compression fittings. If the compression fitting were to blow on a vehicle of this sort, the low rate of speed would allow the driver to roll slowly to a stop.

What happens if you loose a brake line?

With each end of the line loose, it will be time to remove it from the vehicle. This can, at times be tedious, especially if the line in question is of lengthy proportions, such as one that runs from the engine bay to the rear brakes.

What to do if you have a brake leak?

Once you have bled your vehicle’s brakes, visually inspect your repair for any sign of leaks. If any such leaks are found, do not drive the vehicle. Instead, seek out the cause of this leak.

What does it mean when your brake pedal drops to the floor?

If you've ever gone to push the brake pedal down only to find that it drops to the floor with little resistance, you are well aware of the symptoms of a sizable brake fluid leak and the fearful experience that this can cause. Brake fluid leaks are an all too common problem that is encountered by a significant number of motorists each year.

Why do brake lines rust?

After years of being exposed to corrosive substances, the metal structure of a vehicle’s brake lines begins to rust, flake, and deteriorate. This eventually compromises a line’s ability to withstand the hydraulic force imparted by the braking application itself.

Can road debris damage brake lines?

While impacts from road debris do occasionally lead to damaged brake lines, these lines are typically well protected, as most are tucked away along a vehicle’s frame rail. The far greater foe to a brake line’s structural integrity is corrosion. This is especially true in northern areas that experience substantial winter weather and notable snowfall.

How to remove a brake line from a car?

1. Unscrew the brake line from the fitting. 2. Clamp the appropriate-sized collet around the line. 3. Connect it to the Surseat lapping tool. 4. Spray some lubricant to the lapping head before using it. 5.

Why do brake lines leak?

Why Brake Lines Leak at the Flare. Brake lines will leak at the flare when there is a poor connection with the seat of the fitting. This type of leak is commonly known as a weep. It is the result of a tiny imperfection in the flare that occurs while flaring the tube.

How to check if a flared tube is leaking?

First, plug the end of the tube that you are checking by screwing in a cap flared tube nut or anything similar that will seal off that end of the tube.

How do fittings get damaged?

Fittings can get damaged by over tightening them with an imperfect flare, by dropping them, or from some other accident where you end up with a ding. A damaged fitting can be very problematic, especially when it’s built into a radiator or welded into a tank.

What does it mean when a fitting is bubble free?

On the left you can see the bubbles coming out of the fitting indicating a bad seal between the flared tube and fitting. The bubble-free fitting on the right indicates a good seal.

What are compression fittings?

It is a metal object, which connects one component of the coupling to another, usually some type of pipe, to create a waterproof seal. In particular, this accessory usually connects two parts of the brake line and prevents leakage. Compression assembly consists of a nut and a sleeve.

What are DOT approved brake line compression fittings?

Compression fittings should be properly designed, and both meet or exceed DOT requirements. It is important to confirm:

Conclusion

Brake line compression fittings work well in certain situations. If the vehicle is for off-road use or restoration, you can use substandard accessories for temporary repairs. In addition, public transport or expressway vehicles must use DOT-approved products.

What is a compression fitting for brake line?

Despite this, many people choose to try brake line compression fittings for line repairs. Compression fittings are used to join two pieces of brake line together. This form of repair is common because of the idea that the fitting prevents leakage. The compression fitting is comprised of a nut and a ferrule.

Why are brake line compression fittings prone to failure?

Unfortunately, using brake line compression fittings presents multiple problems. Because your brake system creates a substantial amount of pressure, the compression fittings are prone to failure. In addition, compression fittings are known to leak when used on brake lines, ...

What percentage of accidents are caused by brake failure?

Even though only 5 percent of accidents in the United States are attributed to brake failure, the possibility exists, especially when someone performs faulty repairs. Brake line compression fittings are a controversial repair component and can lead to failure in the brake system.

What is brake fluid?

The brake fluid is designed to experience little or no compression which translates into a rise in pressure throughout the entire system. This pressure equalizes through the hydraulic lines causing the pistons to place pressure on the brake pads.

What is the braking system?

In addition, the braking system includes brake fluid. The brake pedal, also called a lever, is contained inside the vehicle and is used by the driver to begin the braking process. The pushrod, or actuating rod, engages with the pistons in the master cylinder assembly.

What is the rotor on a car?

The rotor–a component connected to the wheels–begins to receive increasing pressure from the brake pads and lessens the speed with which the wheels turn. It is important to know that the braking system is considered “closed,” which means that fluid does not escape the system or evaporate over time.

How much does it cost to replace brake lines?

Replacing your brake lines can cost several hundred dollars, at minimum, which can create a strain on your budget. Consequently, many people choose to use temporary replacement techniques to manage car repair hurdles. For example, some people choose to use a rear view mirror kit to attach a separated rear view mirror.

Why is brake line repair important?

Brake line maintenance: when to use compression joints. As many vehicles begin to age, brake line repair is an essential maintenance step. Brake lines are easy to become brittle, rust and leak, which reduces the reliability of the brake system. Exposure to natural elements is the main reason for the degradation of brake cable performance.

What is compression fitting?

Compression fittings can join together parts or parts of steel brake lines to form a seal between the two parts. The pressure through the brake line is very high. Compression fittings usually cannot withstand such high pressures.

What is compression accessory?

Compression accessories can be used in non-public transportation vehicles, for example, off-road vehicles for recreation, or agricultural vehicles or work trucks that are not used on public roads. Any vehicle that is not driving on public roads and is not driving at high speeds can use compression fittings for brake repairs.

What happens when compression fittings are blown?

If the compression fitting is to be blown towards this type of vehicle, the low speed will allow the driver to roll slowly until it stops. During temporary maintenance, compression fittings can also be used to repair brake lines.

Can you use compression fittings on brake lines?

Because the compression fittings on the brake lines are not reliable, it is not recommended to use compression fittings extensively. However, compression fittings can be used in certain situations. If the brake line is to be repaired in a passenger car that is not used for daily road travel and transportation, compression fittings are acceptable ...

Should you replace brake lines on a passenger car?

For this reason, some states have illegally used compression accessories for passenger cars. Therefore, when handling passenger cars, it is recommended to always replace the brake lines, rather than repairing with compression joints.

Can you use compression fittings on public transportation?

Similarly, compression fittings are only allowed in vehicles that are not used for public transportation. For example, if you are renovating or repairing a car, you can choose to use compression fittings to repair the brake lines.

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