copper brake pipes

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

Probably going to have to do the rear cylinders and linings on my s3, noticed the pipe across the back axle looks pretty poor so may as well replace that at the same time. Like to have copper pipes throughout eventually.

Is there any reason why I can't do just the back one in copper or copper nickel?

all the other pipes are pretty good so it would be a shame to have to do the whole lot in copper at once

mistericeman · May 12, 2015

Not that I can think of .....Some reckon that copper 'can' work harden and go brittle unlike kunifer ...
never suffered it myself though as I've always made sure it was clipped properly

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

oh goody, looks like I shall be adding brake pipe flaring to my increasing list of mechanical skills

Seems to be a lot cheaper to buy a length and make your own than buy these kits, once you have invested in the necessary kit of course.

I'm no metallurgist but I would be surprised if it becomes brittle.

Datatek · May 12, 2015

Use Kunifer. There will be electrolytic action between copper and steel but I wouldn't worry about it in the short to medium term.

Datatek · May 12, 2015

honolulujoe said:
oh goody, looks like I shall be adding brake pipe flaring to my increasing list of mechanical skills Seems to be a lot cheaper to buy a length and make your own than buy these kits, once you have invested in the necessary kit of course.

I'm no metallurgist but I would be surprised if it becomes brittle.

Copper does work harden but I wouldn't worry about it.

mistericeman · May 12, 2015

Copper is fine IF it's clipped and supported properly ...
IF it's left to flap about in the wind then yes it will 'Work harden'

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

thanks for the tips chaps, doing the brakes will give me something to do when the wife is on half term save me getting my ear bent

Datatek · May 12, 2015

mistericeman said:
Copper is fine IF it's clipped and supported properly ...
IF it's left to flap about in the wind then yes it will 'Work harden'

It hardens at every bend over time due to flexing, never know it to be a problem though.

mistericeman · May 12, 2015

IF it's clipped and supported properly it shouldn't flex ....

What do I know though, nearly 25 years working with copper fridge lines in all sorts of environments from 3/16" to 2 1/8"

Datatek · May 12, 2015

mistericeman said:
IF it's clipped and supported properly it shouldn't flex ....

What do I know though, nearly 25 years working with copper fridge lines in all sorts of environments from 3/16" to 2 1/8"

Apply internal pressure to any tube with a bend in it and it will try to straighten and thus flex even if only a little, but as I said, it's nowt to worry about.

trax · May 12, 2015

for the price difference just use kunifer/cupro. it also looks and holds up better after a few years than copper

Datatek · May 12, 2015

trax said:
for the price difference just use kunifer/cupro. It also looks and holds up better after a few years than copper

+1

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

what are the pipes that usually come on the car made of that rusts so?

ordinary steel?

Datatek · May 12, 2015

honolulujoe said:
what are the pipes that usually come on the car made of that rusts so?

ordinary steel?

Coated mild steel. Unfortunately whatever they are coated with is feck all use.

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

cheapskates

mistericeman · May 12, 2015

Bear in mind though that the cheaper flaring tools will struggle to make a decent flare on Kunifer ....

Datatek · May 12, 2015

honolulujoe said:
cheapskates

Like everything on LR products

Datatek · May 12, 2015

mistericeman said:
bear in mind though that the cheaper flaring tools will struggle to make a decent flare on kunifer ....

+1

trax · May 12, 2015

mistericeman said:
Bear in mind though that the cheaper flaring tools will struggle to make a decent flare on Kunifer ....

i couldn't even do copper on those el cheapo clamps.. it kept slipping

i went and bought a flaremaster2 and it's ace. perfect every time and easy as. think i've done 3 or 4 cars and loads of repairs with it. bit pricey for a one off though.

honolulujoe · May 12, 2015

I was looking at some on amazon the other day but got distracted, think they were draper and sealey

copper brake pipes

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