re-using copper washers
 

im going to be upgrading to ss brake lines soon and am wondering if it would fine to use the washers that are already on my stock lines.

if not, what size washer do i need? theres not mazda part number for them that i can find. is it just a universal fit?

Not sure how things are in Japan, but here a good part store should have an assortment. I'd just take the new lines in and match them up. Should be very minimal cost. Makes no sense to re-use IMO.

You may be able to re-use them, however, it is definately not worth it to risk having a leak requiring the removal of the turbos to save a few pennies.

I have reused copper crush washers before with no leaks but if it is in an unaccessable location (like the stock twins), I do not because it isn't worth the risk.

There is nothing special about the stock crush washers but just make sure they are the metric size,but that should not be too much of a problem because you are located in Japan.

thanks for the replies. i'll take them to a parts store and see what they say. how would i know if it was a crush washer instead of just a regular copper one?

^ They are the same thing.

You can reuse them, justbe sure to heat them up to red hot before doing so.
John

I re-use copper crush washers all the time as long as they are not too scarred up...it is all about the seal, as others have mentioned. I keep an assortment of these and nylon and steel washers that I pick up as oil plan washer assortments from stores like O'Reilly's or AUTOZONE, etc.

I have reused them on dozens of cars. The heating as mentioned is key to success.

What does the heating do...kind of anneal them a bit?

As I understand it, they're compressed and hardened in use. Heating them softens them up again so they'll seal.

I've re-used them before too...when it's 11:00 PM and I realize I didn't get new crush washers with the parts, or just forgot to get them. After heating I've rub them alittle against a fine stone or sandpaper if there's any ridges. Just seems like less trouble to just get new if you remember.

They are cheap, just buy new ones.