Write-Up: Brake Line Repair

I'll be using the proper fittings

well..you'll have to post pics to prove it.otherwise its just so much fluff.

Are our break lines made to fit ( pre-bent) by anyone yet?

BMD wrote:

Are our break lines made to fit ( pre-bent) by anyone yet?

Not to my knowledge.

robotennis61 wrote:

well..you'll have to post pics to prove it.otherwise its just so much fluff.

I'll be sure to post up pics after I get the parts and get the line bent and assembled.

And no, there are no pre-formed lines available. I looked everywhere. Called the dealer and tried gmpartsdirect. Both said the lines had to be fabricated from bulk line and fittings.

After doing my calculations I need about 157" of brake line.

21 bends total. Thinking about getting the line and taking it to a garage to have the bends made. Not sure I have the time or patience. Bad idea?

manofmany wrote:

After doing my calculations I need about 157" of brake line.

21 bends total. Thinking about getting the line and taking it to a garage to have the bends made. Not sure I have the time or patience. Bad idea?

It should not be *that* hard to find an independent mechanic who'd like to do this - the supplies are cheap and the labor's not backbreaking. If I could spare a saturday I'd do it myself though. Kind of a noon- to - six project.

Albertj

I'm thinking 2 60" pieces and a 40" piece.

3 pieces. This give me a 2nd section just after the bend to cross the car so it will be easier to install. Sound good? Sorry for my silly questions, just want to do this right.

manofmany wrote:

21 bends total. Thinking about getting the line and taking it to a garage to have the bends made. Not sure I have the time or patience. Bad idea?

Just my 2 cent's worth, but I've made many good bends with the second tool posted...
(and it didn't even have the rubber grips )

Got them, but forgot the unions

Is it typical for the threads to feel "loose" inside the adapter that was already on the car until snugged? I can wiggly it side to side a bit until tightened down.

Also, I guess these AGS brake lines can bend by hand and not kink until you try and extreme degree. They demonstrated in the store lol. Grabbed a bender anyways

manofmany wrote:

Is it typical for the threads to feel "loose" inside the adapter that was already on the car until snugged? I can wiggly it side to side a bit until tightened down.

Also, I guess these AGS brake lines can bend by hand and not kink until you try and extreme degree. They demonstrated in the store lol. Grabbed a bender anyways

Que?

Worst. Job. Ever.

I've got the original line replaced and in. The pressure valve bearing was lost and the line on the other apparently tweaked just enough to bust. Now I've got the entire length to the junction box.

Now I've got to get a tube cutter, rent a double flaring tool, and find the correct fitting for the junction box (or I can just reuse the old). I can only imagine how tough it's going to be getting the new line in. I'll probably do some rerouting.

manofmany wrote:

Worst. Job. Ever.

I've got the original line replaced and in. The pressure valve bearing was lost and the line on the other apparently tweaked just enough to bust. Now I've got the entire length to the junction box.

Now I've got to get a tube cutter, rent a double flaring tool, and find the correct fitting for the junction box (or I can just reuse the old). I can only imagine how tough it's going to be getting the new line in. I'll probably do some rerouting.

if this was the worst job - ever - then you are leading a charmed life... congratulations on tackling it though.. it's not that nice a job, dealing with underbody corrosion and frozen components.

JEGS sells a kit with tools for about $85.- is it worth it?

those of you reading thru this thread to learn about brake line replacement may find the following informative:

http://www.dimebank.com/BrakePlumbing.html

Albertj

albertj wrote:

manofmany wrote:

Worst. Job. Ever.

I've got the original line replaced and in. The pressure valve bearing was lost and the line on the other apparently tweaked just enough to bust. Now I've got the entire length to the junction box.

Now I've got to get a tube cutter, rent a double flaring tool, and find the correct fitting for the junction box (or I can just reuse the old). I can only imagine how tough it's going to be getting the new line in. I'll probably do some rerouting.

if this was the worst job - ever - then you are leading a charmed life... congratulations on tackling it though.. it's not that nice a job, dealing with underbody corrosion and frozen components.

JEGS sells a kit with tools for about $85.- is it worth it?

Albertj

I've never had to try and work under a car in gravel. Honestly, I'd rather have to replace the engine or transmission than deal with these brakes lines

Actually, that kit would probably be great for someone replacing multiple brake lines. At this point, I've realized pre-bending the lines to attempt to match the old lines only works so well. I do appreciate everyones help and putting up with my rants.

So I went to get the pieces I needed for the other half of the line.

Come to find out, the Riviera uses a bubble flare and not a double flare I'm not sure now if I need to cut and bubble flare the double flared ends going into the rubber hose fitting and pressure valve or if they will be fine and not leak when tightened down. Any insight?

do your self a favor. ditch the bubble flares. you don't need them.although they are nice. buy several unions.along with the tits that come with, a couple feet of 3/16 line.if your lucky they come with the tits preinstalled.all you have to do is cut to length.or buy the shortest length do get the job done.and fab up your double inverted flare. easier.cheaper. just as effective. a tip though,when you place the 3/16 anvil atop the double flaring tool to measure line height in relation to the tool,place the line so that it is sitting ever so slightly below the anvil. perfect and smooth every time.if you see the anvil starting to tilt.STOP, cut anew the line and start over. otherwise you'll be shopping for more than 1 anvil.

Well I have brakes again. The do still need bled but for the first time they hold pressure.

I was able to use an adapter with a little "tit" so to speak that the inverted flare would mate with and a bubble flare on the other end. Replaced the line all the way from the caliper to the junction box.

Hi, Looking to find pre-bent (factory type) brake pipe (lines) for a 95 SC.
gm dealer guy is going to look for me but isn't hopeful. Anyone know of a source?
I really don't want to have to bend/fit all of them..esp at the abs pump.

Sorry if this has been asked before..if so please point me that way. Thanks!

whatever80 wrote:

I really don't want to have to bend/fit all of them..esp at the abs pump.

It's really not that bad of a job and you would probably save some cash that way. You have to get the old line off anyways and there's no better template to use.

If you're deadset on not bending lines yourself you could take the original line to a shade tree mechanic and have him match it. He probably won't charge you to much to do it.

My dad had stainless lines made for my 95 about 5 years ago. I dont think the price was at all unreasonable. Ill ask him the name of the place and see if he will chime in.

EDIT: this place is local so I would guess this is where mine are from.

LINK
$180 + Shipping for all new lines that will outlast the car sounds like a bargain to me!

Incase anyone has trouble with the link, it is Classic Tubing in Lancaster, NY.

Dave is correct on the link he posted. His car was the template for these lines. We are very lucky to have Classic Tubing right in our back yard. They do a great job. Check out their website.

bigdave wrote:

Dave is correct on the link he posted. His car was the template for these lines. We are very lucky to have Classic Tubing right in our back yard. They do a great job. Check out their website.

I would **so** have bought those lines if they were available when I overhauled my brake system!!

...that said, it was not that hard to do, just kinda time consuming -- the car was on a lift.

Albertj

Are the brake lines the same across all years?

98riv wrote:

Are the brake lines the same across all years?

AFAIK. And I suspect the other G-body GM cars' lines fit more or less as well.

th3fr4nchi5e wrote:

My dad had stainless lines made for my 95 about 5 years ago. I dont think the price was at all unreasonable. Ill ask him the name of the place and see if he will chime in.

EDIT: this place is local so I would guess this is where mine are from.

=1995&product_type_1_Make=Buick&product_type_1_Model=Riviera&product_type_1_Category=&submit=Search&vmcchk=1&Itemid=53]LINK
$180 + Shipping for all new lines that will outlast the car sounds like a bargain to me!

Incase anyone has trouble with the link, it is Classic Tubing in Lancaster, NY.

Do you have any pictures of the brake lines? Any fitment issues? Looks like the price jumped up since you posted the link.