Date:         Mon, 24 Dec 2007 22:27:36 -0500
Reply-To:     Karl Mullendore <groups@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Karl Mullendore <groups@WESTYVENTURES.COM>
Subject:      Re: lost brake line...
In-Reply-To:  <47706E39.3090302@comcast.net>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1; format=flowed

In my experience, the selection of available brake line lengths (bubble
flare, metric, 3/16" diameter) is usually good enough that one does not
need to make a custom length. The dealer certainly wont be of any help
for this any more. Just buy the size nearest what you need by taking the
  old one / pieces of the old one and un-bending it to measure the length.

Karl

Ken Wilford wrote:
> Robert, first of all praise God this didn't cause an accident and you
> and your family are OK.  Second if this line has failed due to rust a
> full inspection of all of your brake lines is in order.  I have found
> that the most likely spot for these to fail is in the rear where the
> line dips down around the nose of the transmission.  If yours has failed
> up front, it is probably is sorry shape elsewhere.  The fun part is that
> in order to repair this properly you are going to need some new line,
> fittings and a bubble flaring tool.  I bought my flare tool at NAPA for
> over $100 (I think it was something like $125).  A regular flaring tool
> will not work, it needs to be a bubble flare.  Standard fittings will
> not work, must but the proper metric ones for the Vanagon.  You may have
> to buy these through the dealer or I could supply them for you if you
> wish.  You can get the proper metal line from NAPA though.
>
> Splicing metal lines with compression fittings is NOT a recommended
> repair for brake lines and can have severe legal repercussions if you
> have an accident with doctored brake lines.  My local NAPA would not
> sell the compression fittings for this reason (liability).  We are
> talking about brakes here.  Your safety and the safety of others on the
> road with you is worth doing this job right the first time.