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Making your own braided brake lines
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 9:13 am
by chodjinn
I'm seriously looking into making my own braided brake lines, in AN-3 throughout. Obviously the parts can be had from the likes of Torques. They also do a nice little fitting/clamping tool for £20, and an olive fitting tool for £30 (but not sure if that is needed?)
Anyone done it themselves? Advice?
And I don't want this to be a braided vs solid line debate please ....
I've costed this up and it's not that much more if I can make the lines myself.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 9:23 am
by stevieturbo
For screw together fittings, no special tools are required.
However, strictly speaking these screw together fittings are not supposed to be legal for MOT etc.
All brake hoses are supposed to be proper crimped units, so generally that rules out DIY.
But Ive never actually heard of anyone failing for such hoses, and some manufacturers still to this day sell hand screwed together hoses in their kits.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 9:42 am
by katanaman
As per Stevie, for MOT/ road legal purposes the ends need to be crimped on. Know a few bike guys turned away because of the screw together type but haven't heard any car guys to be honest.
No idea what the rules are for competition use if your going that route.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:37 am
by chodjinn
Crimped on?
Crap didn't think of that. Got me worried now.
http://www.motuk.co.uk/manual_360.htm
Ok compression fittings do not seem to be legal .....
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 11:48 am
by stevieturbo
Dont think it's anything to worry about really.
People have done DIY hoses for years, and as said, some companies sell them still today sell them as screwed together.
Ive had one hose on mine screwed together for years.
When done correctly there isnt a problem. But strictly speaking they arent supposed to be.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 12:02 pm
by chodjinn
Hmm, just read on another forum, a post from Jan 2014 a guy had a repsonse from Department of Transport saying there is no alw against using compression type fittings for brake lines. I guess as long as it is done correctly ...
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:10 pm
by katanaman
Maybe it is just a bike thing that they have to be crimped? Definately know of bikes that have failed because of screw on ends instead of crimped. There are some very different MOT rules between bikes and cars.
Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 4:30 pm
by katanaman
I cant find it in the specific motorcycle handbook either. Wonder if they have changed the rules again?
I would just go for it to be honest.