Copper tubing for Brakes?

[Naumoff]

I saw on another thread what looks like copper tubing and compression fittings for brake lines.

I would never dream of using copper tubing in a brake system and definitely not compression fittings. It is not legal in the US to do.

The tubing does not look like the 90-10 copper-nickel(cunifer alloy)tubing.
It looks like regular plumbers tubing which is is run right against the steal components of the chassis. This can cause electrolysis and cause the tubing to fail.

Are you running silicone brake fluid in these system?

[Toddy]

Are you sure it was brake lines ? Which thread ?
The brake lines are kept clear of the chassis with clips or they would fail our SVA test.
We have what might look like compression fittings but are in fact swaged/flared pipe fittings

[Naumoff]

Toddy,
This line looks like it is a copper and that fitting looks like a compression nut.



There are some more pictures on the thread "mystery knocking noise" that the brake lines on a different car that look like they are copper as well.

I am just asking as it just looks that way to me.

[Naumoff]

Is there a coating on the steal lines that give them that copper tone?

[Naumoff]

sorry for the size of the last photo and the mis spelled word "steel".

On this car I can see that this one has flare fittings.

[mylesdw]

Originally Posted by Naumoff

I would never dream of using copper tubing in a brake system and definitely not compression fittings. It is not legal in the US to do.

The tubing does not look like the 90-10 copper-nickel(cunifer alloy)tubing.
It looks like regular plumbers tubing which is is run right against the steal components of the chassis. This can cause electrolysis and cause the tubing to fail.

There is no real consensus on the use of copper piping, some countries allow it and some don't. The objection against it is that the copper work hardens and becomes brittle if it is allowed to bend through vibration. If the pipework is well supported I doubt whether this would actually occur within the lifetime of the vehicle.

You won't get galvanic corrosion of the pipe if it is clamped to steel, copper is more 'noble' than steel but you may get chaffing since the copper is quite soft.

I can't tell the fitting type from the picture but it could easily be an ordinary tube nut containing a flared end.

[Naumoff]

We use steel lines with double flared ends.

To each their own. I am a plumber by trade my brother is an auto mechanic.
We also use stainless steel tubing which I put on my 1977 Jeep CJ7.

I would worry about dissimilar metals touching.



Classic Broncos .com - Tech: Double Flaring Brake Lines on your 66-77 Early Ford Bronco.

[Toddy]

THe fitting looks like a proper flared fitting but on our "copper" brake lines.
It looks too small a diameter pipe to be off the shelf plumbers copper which is usually 8mm (smallest usually available)
My guess is its proper UK brake line, with our climate I dont think steel brake lines would last ?

[Spanish Dave]

I got the same reaction when I posted some brake booster pics on my 65 mustang f/b on Stangnet (USA Mustang forum) a few years ago. It had copper tubing on the front brake lines ... there were cries of horror ... change those lines ... you will kill yourself ... brake lines should NEVER be made of copper etc. I did change them for stainless steel because I was so worried, then next thing I build an AK Cobra using copper brake tubing ... as I presume everyone (most folks anyway) does. So I don't know what is right or wrong.
I guess that in the States you can carry a gun ..... but not make your brake lines out of copper .... cos it's dangerous !! Strange world eh ?

[maurice butler]

because the line pressure can easily exceed 600psi