Brake Lines - Reuse or Replace?

[Randy Brown]

Hi all,
Several years back I pulled all of the metal brake lines out and cleaned/degreased them of their fouled brake fluid. Since then, they've been sitting on a rack in the garage. The ends have been taped over to keep dirt/debris out, but I'm wondering if there is any risk of corrosion having formed on the inside. I'm really wondering if it's safe to reinstall the lines, or should I just replace them. Not sure I want to deal with bending new lines into the contortions necessary to get them properly fitted.

Any advice welcomed,
Randy

[philm]

Replace, they are not expensive and will have begun to corrode internally and if you buy a tube bender you can bend up the new hardlines to match the originals.

[Rick]

The bending isn't the real challenge. It's some of the Girling flares that can be unique. We can't buy these off the shelf at NAPA in the states like other lines in various lengths and fittings. The fittings are only available on line as they have weird 1.25 coarse threads on 3/16" lines. Your NAPA or TSC will throw you out of the store when you ask for these. There are many different flare tool kits and getting the best one you can put your hands on not made in China or Taiwan will make life a lot simpler. They can be expensive and cheap junk usually results in the same. Like everything else a little practice helps also. Best of luck. Hope you weren't a victim of the floods. What kind of car is it in Cedar Rapids?

[Rick]

OOP's sorry.. My limited experiences (Fulvia) might not apply to the Scorpion. I wandered off course again

[Randy Brown]

Thanks much for the advice - I do think I'll be looking to replace all the lines with the MH replacements. Then I can find out what shape the calipers are in!

Rick - thanks for the concern on the floods. I personally wasn't affected, but everyone in the town has been somehow affected in one way or another. They're having a difficult time right now to the west of us in Ames with record rain and flooding. I almost wish for winter.

[Rick]

Thanks much for the advice - I do think I'll be looking to replace all the lines with the MH replacements. Then I can find out what shape the calipers are in!

Rick - thanks for the concern on the floods. I personally wasn't affected, but everyone in the town has been somehow affected in one way or another. They're having a difficult time right now to the west of us in Ames with record rain and flooding. I almost wish for winter.

I'm from Toledo and lived between Chicago and KC 25 years and been to CR and Ames in my travels. Ass deep snow and -20F Iowa winters? That must mean the flooding is pretty bad! Unfortunately, the news media in the world is spotty on this event in the Midwest when oil leaks are more front page. Good luck

[bb4re]

Rick,
I am from the Toledo area, as well (Perrysburg). Are you related to Terry Lesniewicz? I recall when I was young, back in the early 1980's, he had a pretty cool Ferrari 308 coupe.

[Rick]

Rick,
I am from the Toledo area, as well (Perrysburg). Are you related to Terry Lesniewicz? I recall when I was young, back in the early 1980's, he had a pretty cool Ferrari 308 coupe.

Oh Boy! How small is this world?!!!! That's my baby brother by 3 years! Still has the 308GTB. Go buy it and give it some exercise! He lives on Westchester in Ottawa Hills. Moved his office to P-burg off Louisiana St. Very cool place as he is a designer as you probably know. Holy Toledo! We both came through the Polish 'hood around Woodward, now a combat zone.. Too bad. The neighborhood was a great place to be a kid. My cousins, the Weaks' live in Rossford. They wouldn't know a Scorpion from a black ant.

I wish more members of the forum would take the time to add their profile info. Our paths would not have crossed without my profile info..

[bb4re]

I grew up in Rossford and went to HS there. I know the Weaks family. Terry's car was always to drewl over. I owned a Pizza restaurant back in the 90's across from the French Quarter in P-Burg, and a high end detailing business in P-Burg from 87 to 98. Not certain where I exactly met Terry, whether it was through my detailing biz or through mutual friends. I had several classic Mercedes, older Jags and a few X1/9's back then.

[Rick]

we better drop off "old home" week that means nothing to hundreds.. PM me with your phone number and address.