How to Splice a Steel Brake Line

Splicing a steel brake line can be done easily and effectively with the use of compression fittings. In this way, any length brake line can be removed and replaced with a new line with no fear of leakage. Generally, brake lines are relatively resistant to corrosion; however, when subjected to a concentration of corrosives, such as the salt used to melt ice on the roads, deterioration will accelerate.

Instructions

1

Raise the vehicle with the floor jack and place jack stands under the frame or jacking points. Lower the car, resting it on the stands. Inspect the brake line and determine how much of it must be replaced. Use the measuring tape to determine how much brake line to purchase. Always add three inches to the new line to make sure that it is not too short.

2

Cut the piece of brake line to be replaced, using the tubing cutter. Bend the new brake line with the tubing bender so that it matches the old line and hugs the frame. Cut the flare ends of the new tubing.

3

Install the compression fitting on one end of the new brake line -- the compression fitting has a main body, which is a pipe with threads on both ends. Each end has a cap with a hole in the center for the tubing to pass through, as well as a ferrule, which looks like a ring. Install the cap on the end of the line first, followed by the ferrule. Push the cap and ferrule about an inch up the tube. Push the main body as far as possible on the end of the tubing. While holding the main body, bring the cap and ferrule up to the main body and thread the cap clockwise onto the main body. Use one wrench to hold the main body and another to tighten the cap.

4

Remove the cap and ferrule from the other end of the main body, then push the cap on the old brake line, followed by the ferrule. Push the cap and ferrule up the tube an inch. Push the brake line tube with the compression fitting on the old brake line, with the cap and ferrule as far as possible. Hold the brake line tightly against the old line while bringing the ferrule and cap up to the main body of the compression fitting. Thread the cap on the main body in the same manner, then tighten it firmly with the wrench.

5

Hold the brake line up to the end of the old brake line and cut off the excess line. Disassemble the compression fitting and install a cap and ferrule on the new brake line. Push the compression-fitting main body on the new line and bring the ferrule and cap up to the main body. Thread the cap on the main body and tighten with a wrench.

6

Install a cap and ferrule on the old brake line and push them back an inch -- it may be necessary to bend the new brake line a small amount to install the main body on the old brake line. Install the compression fitting main body on the old brake line and push the new line in toward the old line as far as possible. Bring the ferrule and cap up to the main body and tighten with a wrench. Push the brake line up against the frame. Raise the vehicle, remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle to the ground.