Advice for bending brake lines? (z32 BMC swap)

[jacobzking]

I wanted to see if anyone had some advice on bending the s14 brake lines to fit a z32 BMC. I REALLY do not want to screw them up (kink or break them). Thanks in advance!

[3v1Ls14]

heat them up with a heat gun first then bend them slowly around something like a pipe or whatever to get nice bends. but heat them first it makes it so much easier!

[shiftdrift]

heat them up with a heat gun first then bend them slowly around something like a pipe or whatever to get nice bends. but heat them first it makes it so much easier!
please stop giving information that is terrible.





OP, get a brake line bender, they're CHEAP, and SAVE YOU TIME. you can get them at any parts store and they are well worth it, it won't kink or break the line, and it will make nice bends.

[jacobzking]

please stop giving information that is terrible.





OP, get a brake line bender, they're CHEAP, and SAVE YOU TIME. you can get them at any parts store and they are well worth it, it won't kink or break the line, and it will make nice bends.

why is that bad advice, sounds good to me?

[shiftdrift]

seriously? you know what happens when you bend brake lines improperly? they kink.....and cause flow restrictions.

[jacobzking]

seriously? you know what happens when you bend brake lines improperly? they kink.....and cause flow restrictions.

ok, that's why i started the thread. any better advice?

[soreballz]

seriously? you know what happens when you bend brake lines improperly? they kink.....and cause flow restrictions.
When I did the clutch line damper delete, I bent the clutch line over my forearm. It works perfectly.
Bending brake lines is easy as hell. Just work slowly and only use round objects to bend against.

But if you're nervous about it... Just rent a brake line bender from an auto parts store.

[shiftdrift]

i'm not saying it's not possible to do it without one, but for someone who doesn't know how, and is asking how, it's best to go with a bender.

[roboticnissan]

Brake lines are dual walled. With out bending it with a bender you prolly will damage the inner wall causing restrictions that you don't see from the outside.

Heating up any kind of metal and bending is weakening it too so dont do that.

[usdm180sx]

i bent mine by hand very carefully and it came out fine

[3v1Ls14]

i bent mine by hand very carefully and it came out fine

I bent all my front brake lines when i removed abs. Didnt buy factory non abs ones. bent them all myself using heat gun and bending them around a pipe. cut them with hacksaw and put double fares and flare nuts on them to shorten them etc. I made all the front lines and the remade the front section of the line that goes to the rear using above method. no issues and brakes work BETTER than they did before after a good bleed etc.

But as mentioned, if you are nervous you might damage them and you want to be safe. Use a bender. If you feel confident. try this way if you like

[Briou]

http://www.amazon.com/CTA-Brake-Line-Tube-Bender/dp/B000GKEXS4

5 bucks and you can probably pick one up at the parts store....works like a charm...no heat needed!!

[3v1Ls14]

sorry to go off topic but Is that kind of stuff readily available in the states at any auto store? and so cheap?

I'd get a bender if I were you, that way you'll have it forever and u will be using the proper tool for the job. which is always helpful

[Briou]

ha yeah...how much would that tool run you??

[3v1Ls14]

ha yeah...how much would that tool run you??

OK well in NZ, you COULD get one from an auto store, but if it was on the shelf you are looking at maybe $30-40 NZD and for a reputable brand anywhere from $60-$100 (depending on brand) but most shops dont have them on the shelf you have to order them etc. Prices are retail so for the average joe. Trade obviously is cheaper but still. $5!! Bargain haha

[upsdude]

there is another type of line bender that looks like a giant version of those springy door stoppers you find on the bottom of the doors in a home. those worked better for me when i did my bmc swap. whatever you do go slow because if you kink the line you're screwed

[jr_ss]

Is your S14 auto or manual? What calipers are you running? The auto S14s had a 15/16th MC and combined with the autos large booster works perfectly fine for a 300z brake upgrade. If you're going to brembos at all four corners you'll have to upgrade to the 17/16th MC from the Z