The braking system in your vehicle uses high pressure hydraulic fluid to compress the brake discs or drums. To handle these high pressures, the braking system uses steel lines with flare and nut connectors on the ends. In the event that damage or modifications require the installation of new brake lines, the ends of the new lines must be precisely flared to ensure a proper seal under high pressure. While it may seem daunting, with a few specialty tools and a little practice, just about anyone can flare their own brake lines.
Instructions
- 1
Measure and mark the brake line that needs to be flared. Slide the tubing cutter onto the brake line and align the cutting wheel with the mark on the brake line. Tighten the thumb wheel on the tubing cutter until it seats firmly on the brake line. Rotate the tubing cutter around the brake line and then tighten the cutter again. Repeat this process until the brake line is cut.
2Deburr the inside and lightly file the outside of the cut end of the brake line to remove any rough edges or metal fragments created by the cutter. Slide the brake line nut over the cut end of the brake line.
3Slide the cut end of the brake line into the appropriately-sized hole in the flaring tool clamp. Place the appropriately-sized flaring adapter on the clamp next to the cut end of the brake line. Extend the brake line through the clamp until it is even with the raised ridge on the flaring adapter. Tighten the wing nuts on the flaring tool clamp until the brake line is securely held in the clamp.
4Place the flaring adapter over the cut end of the brake line. Slide the flaring tool onto the flaring tool clamp and align the cone-shaped press over the hole in the flaring adapter. Tighten the flaring tool until the flaring adapter is flush against the clamp. Remove the flaring tool and the adapter. Inspect the flared end of the brake line to ensure that the flare is even and burr free and the hole in the brake line is centered in the flare.
5Slide the flaring tool onto the flaring tool clamp and align the cone-shaped press over the hole in the flared end of the brake line. Tighten the flaring tool until the flared end of the brake line folds over on itself. Inspect the flared end of the brake line to ensure that the flare is even and there are no burrs or cracks in the brake line.
6Reinstall the brake line and tighten the nut to the proper torque specifications. Refill and bleed the brake lines according to the vehicle or brake manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the brake line for leaks after installation.
