PIC Request & Question About Replacing A Hard Brake Line
 

Hey guys,

I have been re-assembling the restoration project the last couple of days and things are going rather well. One small problem. I'M MISSING MY HARD BRAKE LINE FOR THE FRONT LEFT WHEEL!! I think I decided that I would replace it, so I probably threw it away. It's been so long ago I can't really remember what I did with it. Anyway, I'm going to replace it with one of those lines you get at a parts store and bend to the correct shape by hand. I think you all know what I'm talking about here.

However, I need a GOOD picture of this brake line so that I can make the new one correctly. If someone can get me a decent picture of this front left hard line, I would be very grateful.

Now my question: I remember that the brake line has a big loop in it right by the shock tower. Why is this loop in there? Is it to keep the brake pressure even between the two front wheels? Or did they just do that for the heck of it? My thinking is that it equalizes the pressure between the two front wheels, by keeping the lines approximately the same length. If I don't put that extra loop in the new line I'm gonna make, will it cause one of the brakes to engage before the other? Definitely don't want that happening. :D

Jamie

It's definately not there as a 'pressure equalizer'. I don't have car handy to look at, but it's more than likely just a stress relief point allowing movement for chassis flex without putting strain on the line.

dale

So you think if I just make a line that is a straight shot it will be okay? I don't want to have to screw with putting that loop in the line unless I absolutely have to... :D If I try something fancy like that its just going to end up kinking the lines...

Don't d that....
 

I am new to this particular forum, but i've been working on cars for years, that loop is to stop the brake line from getting stress related damage, constant motion of the front axle cause the metal tubing to flex slightly, just a little but it exists, that loop is to negate that.

Doug

Thanks for the info guys. I'll figure out some way to accomadate for the flexing of the chassis then. If I'm careful I'll probably be able to re-create that brake line. Does anyone have a picture of the thing??

Where are you located at in Indiana doug?

If you can wait, I have one off a parts car for you. It'll be a couple of weeks though.

Carl, I will gladly wait. :D Let me know what you want for it, and i'll let you know my shipping address. I don't like the fittings on those unbent brake lines from the parts store anyway. It says they are metric, but I have never had any luck with the threads on them. I don't think they are right....

Oops, forgot something.... Can you leave the little black rubber grommet on the brake line too? The one that keeps it from rubbing where it goes through the inner fender to the wheel? I left this on my old brake line, so I am missing it also.

I just finshed making all new brake lines on our rx7, If you dont have the old lines on hand, you could just make your own route, thats what we did, and we didnt put the loop in either...But your going to need your old fittings, as none that come on those new lines will work. (i've tried them all! lol)

I forgot to add...I highly suggest you get the proper bending tool as you have a big chance of kinking the line if you do it by hand, plus it will look alot nicer.