This article was co-authored by Matthew Rava. Matthew Rava is an Auto Repair Expert and the Co-founder & Head of Marketing of Brakes to You. He specializes in auto repairs that concern brakes. Matthew earned a BS from West Chester University of Pennsylvania.
This article has been viewed 122,787 times.
Flaring brake lines ensures a leak-proof connection without extra materials or sealants. If the brake lines aren't properly flared, you can lose fluid that will cause your brakes to fail. This article will explain how to flare your brake lines using single and double flares.
Steps
- Measure the length of brake line needed with measuring tape.
- Don hand and eye protection.Advertisement
- Use a flaring tool or a double flare tool to form the tubing's flare.[3]
- The instructions for both types of single flare tools are given below.
- Put the cone of the tool over the end of the tubing.
- Lower the cone down until it is centered over the tube's end.
- Turn the advance screw to move the cone until the part of the tube being flared is firmly against the countersunk recess of the bar.
- Inspect the new flare for cracks, splits, or other imperfections. If the line is damaged at all, replace it with a new one.
- Place the cone over the end of the tubing and move it down until the cone is centered.
- On a generating flare tool, the flare is formed in the air instead of in the recessed part of the bar.
- Turn the advance screw several revolutions. Check the manual for the number of revolutions needed for the flare size you need.
- Check the new flare for any imperfections such as splits. If you end up with any damage, even a hairline crack, toss out the brake line and try again with a new one.
- Clamp your tubing into the flaring bar.[4]
- Ensure the depth is equal to the edge of your tubing size insert.
- Install the yoke and use it to advance the cone into the tube until a bell shape forms.[5]
- Remove the insert and finish advancing the cone into the bell.
- The bell shape of the tube forms the double thickness flare.
Video
Community Q&A
- QuestionCan I use a single in an application where a double flare was used?Uglymug18Community AnswerNo. Double flare is used in high pressure ABS applications for a reason. A single flare is more likely to spit under high pressure, causing break failure.
Tips
- Practice flaring lines with some inexpensive tubing before flaring your vehicle's brake lines.Thanks
- The Society of Automotive Engineers recommends double flaring for all hydraulic brake lines.Thanks
- There are three types of flares: single flares, double flares, and bubble flares.Thanks
Warnings
- Consult your tool's user guide for specific instructions. Tools' instructions can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer.Thanks
Things You'll Need
- Gloves and eye protection
- Measuring tape
- Brake tubing
- Tube cutters or hacksaw
- Single flare tool
- Double flare tool
References
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpT3jEnmmRs
- ↑ https://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/flaring_brake_line_3.php
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IpT3jEnmmRs
- ↑ https://robrobinette.com/flare_brake_line.htm
- ↑ https://robrobinette.com/flare_brake_line.htm
- http://www.hotrodhotline.com/md/html/flaring_brake_line_3.php
About This Article
Reader Success Stories
- "Awesome! I did it years ago, but could not remember just what to do."
Did this article help you?
⚠️ Disclaimer:
Content from Wiki How English language website. Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike License; additional terms may apply.
Wiki How does not encourage the violation of any laws, and cannot be responsible for any violations of such laws, should you link to this domain, or use, reproduce, or republish the information contained herein.
- - A few of these subjects are frequently censored by educational, governmental, corporate, parental and other filtering schemes.
- - Some articles may contain names, images, artworks or descriptions of events that some cultures restrict access to
- - Please note: Wiki How does not give you opinion about the law, or advice about medical. If you need specific advice (for example, medical, legal, financial or risk management), please seek a professional who is licensed or knowledgeable in that area.
- - Readers should not judge the importance of topics based on their coverage on Wiki How, nor think a topic is important just because it is the subject of a Wiki article.