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MG TD TF 1500 - Brake line flare nuts

Has anyone ever flared there own brake lines and if so, where did you get your flare nuts? I have all the tools and tubing needed even though I just purchased a new set of brake lines for my TD.

When I take the old ones out wanted to use them as templates to build myself a new set for my other TD. I can reuse my flare nuts if they are good but then I thought about making up a few sets to keep on hand.

So either send me your used nuts or help me locate a supplier for new nuts.

Cheers,
Vince
Vincent Piņa

See http://store.fedhillusa.com/about-us.aspx for, IMHO, the absolute best place to get components for our brake systems. Bud
Bud Krueger

I use the flaring tool from Eastwood. It's a little expensive, but those cheap ones are junk; I've never been able to do a good flare with them. On the other hand, I plumbed the whole car using the Eastwood tool and new fittings and tubing from Fedhill, and not a single leak.
S Maas

Is there a master list of the fittings sizes/types for to do one TD?

Do you guys use steel or copper/nickel?
Vincent Piņa

NAPA has a double flare tool for about $25. Worked great once I got the hang of it. The copper-nickel line from FedHill is a dream to work with. Bud
Bud Krueger

I have a sykes pickavant 270 and an otc bubble flare tool. Just did the brakes on my truck with 3/16 steel with no issues. I have extra line which is why I wanted to make an extra set for the td. Just need a set of ends.
Vincent Piņa

You need a double flare tool. Bud
Bud Krueger

The Sykes does the double.
Vincent Piņa

You're set then, Vince. Reusing flare nuts isn't worth doing. How many do you need/ I may have some left over from the servo project. I'll check tomorrow. Bud
Bud Krueger

Only reason I was reusing was because i was told they are not available. This site helps and once I put together a list, I'll order a new set of flares.
Vincent Piņa

Terminology question. The threaded thing that looks like a hollow bolt trapped onto the brake line by the double flare, is that actually called a flare nut?

The Fedhill (Cunifer - Copper/Nickel/Ferrous) line looks great to work with but does anybody in Oz know if the NSW Motor Registry will accept it? A year or so ago I borrowed a flaring tool & replaced all my lines with copper but now have to ditch the copper & replace it, as she won't pass the rego inspection. The inspectors here seem to insist on steel bundy. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter,
Copper is supposed to work harden and crack so that is why it is not approved. Tell them it is copper plated steel and you should get it through. The originals were copper so new ones will take a long time to fail.
Max Irvine

Just taken delivery of 25ft of 3/16" Cunifer brake line & 20 of 3/8" x 20BSF - 3/16" flare nuts (Tube Nut Male) from Brake Connect in the States. Only need 18 but ordered 2 extra. They were a bit cheaper than Fedhill. This stuff is accepted by the Roads & Maritime here in NSW as it complies with SAE J1027. Copper isn't approved in NSW.

My question is does anybody know the total length of fixed line in a TD? I thought it was about 18ft. Can anybody confirm this? I need to take a foot or two for the double flaring demonstration to the T Type Tech Day on Sunday but don't want to leave myself short. I'd measure what's on the car but it's garaged some distance away. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

Peter,
Abingdon Spares list the lengths of the brake lines in their catalogue.
Regards Rob.
R Browne

G'day Rob. Thanks mate. Seems the only two pieces not shown are the short lengths at each of the front wheels. If I allow about 14" for each I should be OK. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

A big percentage of all new cars have Copper/Nickel brake lines. Pretty sure Volvo uses it. Not to be confused with plain copper, it's a different animal! Much stronger and will take more vibration than steel and won't rust. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Add Porsche, Rollers, Bentley & Audi among others. Almost all top end vehicles use Cunifer, which gets its name from Cu (copper), Ni (nickel) & Fe (iron, from the Latin Ferrum). Almost as easy to flare as copper. Proponents state the reason it isn't used more extensively in the auto industry is because of its longevity. Not good for business. Bit like the light bulb that lasts forever. Cheers
Peter TD 5801
P Hehir

This thread was discussed between 21/07/2014 and 05/11/2014

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