Brake Lines

[Andy White]

Alright I Am going to be Replacing all my brake lines in my truck and I was wondering what you technicians think about using Copper Nickel Brake Line Instead of the standard Steel Brake line..

Topic

[Chuck]

I wouldn’t bother simply because of the price difference with no notable benefit. Steel lines will be more than adequate for a daily driver.

[Lorrin Barth]

I’ve heard of it. They use it in a few of the more expensive cars. I guess it is more corrosion resistant.

[Bill]

I have used it and really like it. It’s soo much easier to work with than steel but is soft so you have to be careful when you flare it. It took me about 6 tries to make a decent flare the first time I used it. It’s more expensive than steal line but I find it’s worth the extra cost.

[Bret]

I think ive heard of copper nickel brake lines i dont know what their benefits are but if you are replacing ALL brake lines

But steel braided brake lines…. i know they could be a good investment they are rubber lines not metal though so you could get both if you wanted to go all out with your brakes

[Nick]

I had never heard of these before this thread- something I’ll be looking into, for sure.

Up here I wind up replacing my exhaust every 5 years or so, and I’ve never seen a set of brake lines make it to 10 (When run outside the chassis)- Then as soon as you go to replace a section that’s rusted through and leaking, the whole line shatters and needs to be replaced.

I’ve taken to just replacing the brake lines in pairs, entirely when there’s a leak. They only sell steel ones at the local napa, so I assumed that was all there was. The coated (green) ones last longer than the black ones, but I suspect they’re a thicker steel.

I’ll make a point to look into local inspection code on brake lines- now I’m wondering if SS tube (used in hvac) would pass.

If anyone has first hand experience with this copper stuff, I’d love to know how it holds up to the north.

[college man]

Never heard of it. Stainless for me.

[EricTheCarGuy]

My first question is why replace all the lines? Replacing brake lines is not an easy task. When they are installed at the factory the chassis is often not placed on the vehicle so it’s easy for them. Replacing them after the fact, no so much. That said the copper nickel lines are better from what I’ve heard. A good flaring tool is your best friend.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[Author]

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