Haven't done much with brake lines, so I thought I'd ask this, even though it might be an obvious thing.

Got two brake lines on the top control arms in front that bend at a 90* angle. I need to bend them relatively straight, but I can't take them off without a huge hassle. Is it possible or even advisable to bend brake lines straight while they're installed? If so, is there a good technique or tool? Advice?

Thanks.

 

I have better success getting new straight lines and bending them how I want it. You can get tubing bendors at most hardware stores. They will keep you from kinking the lines.

 

If they are allready bent to a 90 degree angle, I would put my paycheck on it that they are gonna kink if you try to straighten them. I have never been able to bend these lines very succesfully with out a tubing bender and thats not gonna help you if they are allready bent. Your best bet is to buy new lines and a tubing bender ( both are very inexspensive) and customize them from these.

 

In addition to what others have mentioned, I would like to add my opnion. You may have to weak a line after you straighten them. The metal has been stretched a little in the bending process and it is next to impossible to get them back without kinks or cracks. Go with new and a bender in my humble opinion. Never like to need brakes and not have them because I tried a shortcut. Good luck

 

Thanks for the responses. I thought this might be the case. Since I was going to replace them, I thought I'd try bending them first. Did it! The lines bend 90* around a small bracket that is screwed to the upper control arm bracket. I was able to get the lines out of the way by bending the small bracket. Bracket's good, lines are good, no seeping. Will watch closely, however.

 

Tartarus: I'd suggest that you do a max pressure test on your system. Just to be shure that this won't mess up in a panic stop situation..

Just my 2c

AlpineRAM