leaky brake fittings
 

i've installed many brake lines back in the 70's & 80's using u.s.a. made parts with no problems. now i'm using off-shore tubes & fittings [all i can find] & getting lots of leaks! anyone else have this problem or is it just me?

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

Are you using Dot5(silicone fluid)? If so it is prone to weep .

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

I try to use NOS or NORS parts as much as possible. I have had great difficulty with leaks with off-shore parts.

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

i use dot 3 only!

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

rusty, this might not be a solution for you, but I've gotten to the point where I make my own lines with a really good double flare tool, and have had good luck getting fittings locally that seem to mate well with the brake components. Also have a very good tubing bender and use the old line as a template and copy it as best I can.


Good luck on this project.

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

I make up my own lines and use older US made fittings and other parts.

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

I bought all my tubing and fittings from 'The Stopshop', dunno where they source it from, but I had zero problems.

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

I would also suggest you might get better parts from a dedicated brake/fitting supply vs a general auto supply. As a general rule it seems to me that a lot of auto parts suppliers are just looking for the cheapest parts with the greatest return money wise to them. While the suppliers dedicated to a specific product and who provide parts to professional shops might tend to carry a better line (as some of our Barn friends do to the early Ford market).

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

tighten, loosen a couple times to get a good seat on the fittings

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

X2

John

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

One lesson I learned years ago.....
Always use a tubing cutter when cutting brake line. A hacksaw may be quicker but the line is prone to leak after double flaring.
Just sayin'.........

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

Agree with Jerry on this one. Think the local "national" auto parts stores are pressed for profit margins, especially if publicly traded.

Hoping the "made in the USA" movement continues for materials and parts like this. And....even though I'm not the best craftsman on here, I get a certain amount of satisfaction in making stuff myself when I can.

Re: leaky brake fittings
 

Yes! Jerry knows.