Advice - brake line snapped
Discussion
Changing the lines on the M3 and have had quite an issue with them. Basically I started to loosen the coupling (top side - 11mm) and it was turning the whole line rather than just the couple/ nut itself.
Result being - one snapped off entirely as it looked like it was rotating but was actually twisting right at nut and the other two I try have twisted the line 1/4 turn. I tried holding the hard line with vice grips but no luck.
I was using the right tools and technique Im sure as the first one I did worked fine.
What are my options?
Result being - one snapped off entirely as it looked like it was rotating but was actually twisting right at nut and the other two I try have twisted the line 1/4 turn. I tried holding the hard line with vice grips but no luck.
I was using the right tools and technique Im sure as the first one I did worked fine.
What are my options?
One of these is the boy. You can use it to flare the steel pipe if you can't find a suitable joint. It's marginally more expensive than the kits, but infinitely better.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Pipe-Flaring-Tool-...
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Brake-Pipe-Flaring-Tool-...
The nut has to be slipped onto the brake line & the line then flared to the same shape as the old end. Doesn't just push onto the line & bolt up.
Steel lines are a PITA & other than it being cheap I'm at a loss as to why manufacturers still use it. Corrodes through - I had one snap just by gently pushing on it & it had a brand new MOT - & you get the issues you've had - although to be fair I have had copper & kunifer lines do that.
Your best course is to replace the whole line.
Steel lines are a PITA & other than it being cheap I'm at a loss as to why manufacturers still use it. Corrodes through - I had one snap just by gently pushing on it & it had a brand new MOT - & you get the issues you've had - although to be fair I have had copper & kunifer lines do that.
Your best course is to replace the whole line.
Well, it might be possible........ But personally I would be looking to strip the old steel line back to at least where it's obviously in good condition. The line has broken where it has partly (mainly) due to corrosion, and you want to be sure that the pipes are good once you have finished the work. Also by shortening the existing line, the position of the flexi will be incorrect, and unlikely to sit where BMW intended it to. Worst case, you might find the wheel rubs the pipe, or it's caught in the shock or something horrendous.
Go for it, get the old steel stuff out, and re route in copper.
Go for it, get the old steel stuff out, and re route in copper.
petrolheed said:
Not sure that there will be any room in the arch to work with a tool like that.
Cant I just cut the pipe and replace the coupling / union as pictured on to the existing line?
No, as the pipe is now too short. If you can't splice in the wheel arch due to room you will have to go further back and find somewhere that has enough room to use a flaring tool.Cant I just cut the pipe and replace the coupling / union as pictured on to the existing line?
From what I recall on the routing of brake pipes on E92 M3's you're in for some pain.
If you can't do it yourself get it to a garage, and in future don't use WD40 get yourself some Plusgas.
http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/p/car-accessories/...
This is what I have here right? and the idea would be to flare the end as pictured. Is that done by threading or by brute force? i.e.. am I to swing a hammer in there?
Most seem to be saying replace the lines. I'd rather not as it sounds a pita unless someone can tell / show other wise.
As this is to be a track toy (not race car) and road legal - do I have other options that OEM parts and fitting positions?
Most seem to be saying replace the lines. I'd rather not as it sounds a pita unless someone can tell / show other wise.
As this is to be a track toy (not race car) and road legal - do I have other options that OEM parts and fitting positions?
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff