brake questions, need help

[pyro4fun]

I have an 86 ford ranger disk front D28 and drum rear ford 7.5 and im not sure how i did it but i busted a rear metal brake line:eeek:

My question is there a good upgrade or option to replace or strengthen the lines i have?

Has anyone had good luck with Stainless Steel bradded brake lines?

All opinions appreciated, Thanks

 

[pyro4fun]

Anyone?

 

[Hip]

can you tell if the line got damaged in any way? pinched on a rock or something?

the steel hard lines are really great but i have seen many a aftermarket SS braided flex line fail. i am a firm believer in hard rubber OEM flex lines.

id just replace the hard lines with the same stuff and make sure it cant be damaged by the trail.

 

[64FJ40]

So what happened? One of your steel hardlines just 'broke'? Did it split open? Was it dented or crushed (tow truck drivers are the worst offenders)?

Either way, I'd just get a new one. You might be able to get a new pre-bent one from the dealership. If you're not especially proficient at cutting, bending and double flaring brake line (not to generalize, but since you posted the question...), the pre-made one is the way to go if it's available. If the piece is long and complicated, it's possible to just splice in a new section, but if the line failed due to age, the rest of it is probably compromised as well and should be replaced.

 

[Pat]

Direct fit prebent ones can be hard to come by, depending on the vehicle.
I picked up a little bender and flare tool at the local auto parts store along with some lengths of hard line. My bends aren't always perfect but the important part is getting a clean cut and good flare so it seals good. If its on the rear axle those are the easiest, mostly a straight shot.

 

[TigTorch]

I've never had a problem with stock steel lines. Make sure they are routed and clamped properly.

Stainless can be bad in that it galls easily due to the Nickel in it. This can be bad when trying to break loose the threads. (I have no experience with stainless brake lines though.)

Sounds like your problem is due to damage.

 

[pyro4fun]

Ok thanks for the opinions,
I think what happened was my spare was under the bed and after a little flexing and a few bumps it rubbed or bent it just right it was a clean break about an inch from the nut. I flared it the best i could but i didn't have enough room to make the flair large enough. It got me home but I just want to replace it to feel a bit safer.

FYI, I moved my spare to my bed.

I think i could do it my self but i don't have the tools and im lazy and would rather just find a pre bent line if posable, as long as its not to much on the wallet.

 

[TigTorch]

Try a junkyard. Not too big a call for some parts like brakelines. Prolly give um' to you!:awesomework:

 

[64FJ40]

If you were closer, I'd cut, flare and splice a new chunk of line on there for you. Probably cost you $4 in parts from Napa.

 

[zukkev]

Ok thanks for the opinions,
I think what happened was my spare was under the bed and after a little flexing and a few bumps it rubbed or bent it just right it was a clean break about an inch from the nut. I flared it the best i could but i didn't have enough room to make the flair large enough. It got me home but I just want to replace it to feel a bit safer.

FYI, I moved my spare to my bed.

I think i could do it my self but i don't have the tools and im lazy and would rather just find a pre bent line if posable, as long as its not to much on the wallet.

Just go down to your local NAPA,or whatever, and spend 4-6 bucks on a line the correct length(or a couple inches longer)with the ends already on it; bend it up and put it on----not that big of deal...