Brake Help

Doug Kuhlman · Apr 3, 2020

2008 Expedition Limited:
I'm in a bit of a pickle. I replaced the front passenger side brake hose since that side was sticking, but the threads on the brake line were in bad shape and I ended up cross-threading it. I got a new fitting and cut the end off, but I've never flared a brake line before. I have the loaner tool from the parts store, but I only managed to un-intentionally bend the line (no flare)

Ford will sell the whole line. It looks like it's going to be a bear to get that line out/in as a whole without removing other parts.
brake hydraulic line
Part #: BRTF27 (2263)
Has anyone ever replaced this line and have any tips? Any better ideas?
Are there better tools to get a flare on the existing line ( keep in mind i am doing this on the car, not a bench )
Thanks,
Doug

Retiredusps · Apr 3, 2020

replaced the line all the way to the abs. purchased 3 sections and 2 couplers ours was rotted out a real pia to get to. the new sections already had the double flare.hardest part getting tubing back in factory clips.

Doug Kuhlman · Apr 3, 2020

Retiredusps, I like your solution since it doesn't require any flares to be made. But, I might give the flare another try first since it would save a lot of work if I don't have to replace the entire line. The flare tool from another parts store looks better than the one I tried. I'm planning to buy some line to practice flaring before I give it another go. You're solution is plan b. What tool did use to make the bends in the line? Did you use standard steel or the nickel copper some people recommend?

Retiredusps · Apr 4, 2020

I used nickle copper from auto supply store.nickle copper will bend by hand just be carefull will kink easy. i used a cheapo bender looks like a pair of plyers. I had to go from the wheel to abs it was rotted alog front cross member at the clip. figured not long it would blow out some other place!!! I saw a guy use a sock filled with sand to make bends also.he was doing a/c lines and couldn' tget in a tight spot with a bending tool. i purchased a 25 ftt roll and fittings off ebay since my 01 pickup the lines a rusting thru and I will be replacing more on that also

Trainmaster · Apr 4, 2020

They also sell a little curved bender at the auto parts store for about $8. Will help also and keep you from kinking the thing. When you flare the line, put a drop of oil on the die. It will help.

Doug Kuhlman · Apr 4, 2020

I was able to get the end flared! So, I didn't need to replace any line.
I straightened the end and filed it square. Then I deburred the inside and chamfered the end with a file.
I used a different double flare tool. This tool was a loaner, but it was brand new. It had a better clamping system ( nuts that could be tightened with a socket and ratchet ). I got a good flare on the first try. I just made sure everything stayed straight on each press from the tool and oiled the die.
Thanks for the advice Retiredusps and Trainmaster!

JExpedition07 · May 15, 2020

Am I going to have these issues? My front right caliper is dragging and it’s a collapsed line. I ordered the following:

Doug Kuhlman · Apr 14, 2021

oh, sorry JExpedition07 I just now noticed your question at the bottom of the thread.
I guess you had no problem. I have replaced brake hoses several times in a couple different vehicles and this was the first and hopefully only time I have this problem.

Brake Help

Doug Kuhlman

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Retiredusps

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Doug Kuhlman

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Retiredusps

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Trainmaster

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Doug Kuhlman

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