So a while back my wife was driving the Firebird (98), and started to lose pedal pressure. I did some inspecting and noticed that in a section of the hard line going to the rear brake, part of it had weakened and blew out. I managed to cut and splice a new piece of line in for now, but I would like to re-plumb the car from wheel-to-wheel. The problem is that GM no longer offers the hard line, so I'm going to be stuck looking at the aftermarket or making my own lines.
I would prefer to do stainless hard and braided lines, but I've only worked with soft steel lines. I know stainless would be a little bit of overkill, but I would feel a little safer going overbuilt here.
Has anyone else on here redone the brake lines from end-to-end? Has anyone worked with stainless before? I know double flaring stainless can be difficult. Also, is the 45 deg. flare the correct route to go? I'm nearly positive it is, but I want to be absolutely sure. From what I've seen over the years, it seems that the only place to use the 37 deg. flare is with AN fittings. Also, can someone recommend a flaring tool that can make consistent flares, and double flares, without breaking? Preferably under $200, under $150 is better, and under $100 is best. I doubt I'll use the tool that much after I replace the lines on the car, which is why I'd rather spend the least amount. But I also don't want to go so cheap that I'm going to have to keep returning the tool because it broke every time I tried to use it.
Hopefully some of the other owners on here have some insight that can help me out in this situation.
I would prefer to do stainless hard and braided lines, but I've only worked with soft steel lines. I know stainless would be a little bit of overkill, but I would feel a little safer going overbuilt here.
Has anyone else on here redone the brake lines from end-to-end? Has anyone worked with stainless before? I know double flaring stainless can be difficult. Also, is the 45 deg. flare the correct route to go? I'm nearly positive it is, but I want to be absolutely sure. From what I've seen over the years, it seems that the only place to use the 37 deg. flare is with AN fittings. Also, can someone recommend a flaring tool that can make consistent flares, and double flares, without breaking? Preferably under $200, under $150 is better, and under $100 is best. I doubt I'll use the tool that much after I replace the lines on the car, which is why I'd rather spend the least amount. But I also don't want to go so cheap that I'm going to have to keep returning the tool because it broke every time I tried to use it.
Hopefully some of the other owners on here have some insight that can help me out in this situation.
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