SWC

I am repairing the brake lines on the rear axle. Is the brake line 3/16" or 4.5mm?
I am borrowing a double flair kit which has a 3/16" die, will that work if the line is metric?
I have seen a double flair being made but I have never done this before. There is no gauge or instructions with this kit to tell me how far to extend the tube past the bar that holds the tube. Any clues because at this stage I am clueless!!!
I will experiment tomorrow with some extra tubeing to try to get it right.
Thanks
Stan

dott

3/16" = .1875"
4.5MM = .1772"

If it is metric, I doubt it will work. The clamp has to hold the tube from sliding.

Set the mandrel on the clamp next to the tube sticking through. Put the large flat side against the clamp. You extend the tube from the clamp the thickness of the mandrel. On the larger tube mandrels, there is a gage line for tube extension.

I'm looking for my pics.

SWC

Thanks dott!
I was thinking about this overnight and that is what I was going to try. I will go out and experiment on some line to see if I can get it right.
Thanks again.
Stan

littlebuddie

Wise of you to practice on spare line. You'll soon be making perfect flares.

dott

X2 lilbuddie
Definitely practice. I seldom make a good flare on the first try. Don't forget to put the nut on the line first, you'll be doing it over again.

Here's how I do it.
1. Make the tubing cut as square as possible.
I don't use a regular tubing cutter, it just swages the tubing in too much. I saw it off, file it square and then chamfer the inside and outside.
2. Using some brake cleaner inside, blow the line out.
3. Put tube in clamp and slightly tighten
4. Use gage to set part of tube that extends from clamp
5. On the first flare, you don't have to jam it down tight.
6. Remove the mandrel.
7. Make second flare.

Here are some pics:
http://www.texas4x4.org/gallery/album767

torquefan

This is good advice. It's sure frustrating to make a beautiful perfect flare, only to have to cut it off because I forgot to put the nut on the line first.
Another trick I use is to wet the end of the brake line with brake fluid first, to help it slide against the mandrel during flaring.

dott

Good one.

SWC

Thanks all of you for the advice. This job got more involved then what I wanted.
I ordered replacement lines for the rear axle from an aftermarket supplier. Up here the lines from Dodge included payment of an arm and a leg ($900)!!! There was a problem with the replacement lines which required me to redo the lines.
It is late Sunday evening and I need the truck for work tomorrow. I just got everything done and the truck is driveable.
Thanks again for your help.
Stan