What is the size of the hard brake lines? I am thinking 3/16 ID? Not too sure but just
wanted to ask. Could I get this at Home Depot or Lowes? Or will it have to be some
sort of brake shop/specialty shop? I found some on the home depot site, but I am
wary of using copper!!

 

don't use copper. 3/16 sounds about right or it may be in mm. autozone, etc should be able to get u some hard line. but it'll be straight unless they can get something that will actually fit.

 

3/16" works fine, but you definatly want to buy line made specifically for brakes from an auto parts store etc. Also you will either need to find line with metric fittings or re use your fittings and reflare the line (which is kind of inevitable anyway since you will have to cut it to length)

 

Thanks guys. I will be running by Advance tomorrow to see if they can get me some. I will be
custom bending my lines. Advance has a master brake kit you can rent (for $100, free if you
return it ) that has a brake line bender and a flare tool in it.

I was iffy on the copper, something about that and brake fluid didn't seem to mix in my head
(even if it does nothing to it).

 

Use 3/16 brake line.

All fittings are double flare M10x1.0. You should be able to buy a box of new ones, it's a very common size. (And awesome that Mazda didn't use bubble flare - those suck to make right and I make brake lines for a living)

Do yourself a favor and spend the extra coin for the poly-coated line. It is a dream to bend, almost impossible to kink, and you only need the bending tool if you want picture-perfect bends. Really though, with practice you can do nice bends with just your thumbs. It bends like pipe cleaners.

Here's a pic of my handbrake - you can see the greenish-brown poly-coated line in comparison to regular steel line. (I made an oops when I did this at first and got the inlet and outlet wrong, and only had steel line available in the 10 minutes I had to work)

 

I love bubble flares. only one step to make. I have a snap on bubble flare tool which doesnt make them look anything like a factory flare would but always seal great. And agree on not bothering with bender for 3/16 lines. You almost have to be trying to kink it if you do.

 

Just remember to put fitting on BEFORE flares