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MG MGB Technical - 1973 brake line replacement ??

All brake components on my 73B Roadster have been replaced over the past couple years EXCEPT the steel(?) fixed lines that run around the bottom of the body. I'm beginning to wonder now if I should replace those as well.

These steel(?) tubes appear to be in clean condition with no apparent dents or rust through areas, but that may not mean they are solid and safe.

What is the general feeling on replacing these fixed in place brake line tubings? Is it something I've foolishly overlooked up to now, or do they last pretty much forever if undisturbed because they are made of brass or something like that instead of steel?

Thanks,
BH
BH Davis

BH,
I've replaced them one time in about 10 MG's I've owned over the years. Only reason was the old lines were really bad.

You can buy a tool to flare the ends and make your own custom lines.

I would think that if they look OK, I'd leave them. "Don't fix what's not broken".

David
David Steverson

BH,

I would tend to agree with David in that if its not broken leave it alone. On the other hand, if you see any rusty, bent or kinked lines that you are concerned about I believe that Classic Tube in NY is a fantastic source for solving your individaul or complete brake line system. They have a lot of British patterns already in stock and provide the material in either mild steel or stainless steel with the correct flares and fittings. PLUS there already prebent. I'm not sure you could buy the material, fitting and tool for much less than what they would do it for. Plus, again, they are prebent. If you have ever tried to copy some of the British line, you know how much fun that can be too. Takes lots of time. I sent them my complete set, from my MGC, and everything that wasn't right after the initial order, they turned around and replaced. For the difference in mild steel and stainless steel, I'm not sure that it is even worth considering but there may be other factors to consider.

HTH

Fred
Fred Wright

BH,

I don't replace them either unless they are rusted, kinked, or have some other problem. Also, the '73 should have the dual brake system, so a failure in one line won't cause all of the brakes to go out. On my older vehicles with single line braking I get more concerned.

The only thing I might add to the inspection process is to pull the retaining straps off of the bottom of the car, pull the rubber back, and make sure the lines aren't rusty under the rubber. Make sure you have inspected the entire line for rust because it only take a pin hole in one spot to cause failure.

If you do have to replace some, I think you can find bubble flare lines with the right thread in straight cane at a good auto parts store, if you don't mind the occasional union to build up a long line. They are cheap, and easy to bend and fit if you just want the brakes to work. I think Fred was saying that it is very hard to make them look like factory original, which is true.

Charley
C R Huff

Thanks all.......I'll follow your advice.

BH
BH Davis

I would also hesitate to replace lines that appear to be in good condition. I think the likelihood that the lines have rusted from the inside out is small, the greater risk is likely to come from external rust. If there is enough moisture in your brake fluid to rust the lines internally, you likely wouldn't have very good brake performance due to boiling of the water in the lines.

If you do need to replace the lines, I would think worth paying a fair bit more for the pre-bent tubes, as I found it very hard to get the straight tubes into the right shape when I did it on my previous MGB. The amount of time saved by ordering the lines already bent would likely be huge. I was a student when I redid my brake and clutch lines, so cost was a bigger factor than it is now. Plus in the summers, I had the time to do the job. It didn't turn out pretty, but it did work. If you take pride in the appearance of your car, pre-bent lines will almost certainly be better.

My humble opinion...

Erick
Erick Vesterback

I would echo Fred comments on Classic Tube. I used their product on my 73B rebuild. The fit was perfect, the price on stainless was very good, and the items arrived quickly.
Lyle Radebaugh

This thread was discussed between 05/03/2008 and 09/03/2008

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