Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

[Daniel K.]

Thank you.

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Daniel, not sure what year your car is, but I personally would not bother flushing if the car is a C1, C2, or C3. I would replace the lines with new steel lines (not stainless!). I tried the flushing route with my C1, and all I got was rust in the wheel cylinders in the following years.

When I finally restored mine, I replaced all wheel cylinders and the master, and new steel lines and blocks. Also used Silicone fluid (rejects water), and am very pleased with the results. The brakes are flawless, or at least as good as they were new.

Just my opinion.

Joe

[Daniel K.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Thanks Joe.

63 Coupe.

Regards.

[Terry M.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Many years ago I converted my 1970 to DOT5 -- at the same time I had the calipers sleeved and rebuilt the master cylinder. Changing the brake lines was not in the cards -- my car ultimately received all those originality awards, and all those other awards too. I flushed the lines with alcohol, and then blew shop air through them. I installed the DOT 5 immediately after that -- no problems. About 15 years later I flushed the DOT 5 with fresh DOT 5 just because I thought it was time -- life is good.

[Christopher R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

If the brake lines are original, replace them just because they're 40+ years old.

If you replace the lines, and you've already replaced the master and wheel cylinders, consider going to DOT5 (silicone) brake fluid. Search the archives for the pros and cons.

If you don't want to do any of that, why not flush with clean brake fluid? You don't need alcohol or Brake Clean. Flush with new DOT 3 or 4. It's not that expensive.

[Chris E.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Daniel, not sure what year your car is, but I personally would not bother flushing if the car is a C1, C2, or C3. I would replace the lines with new steel lines (not stainless!).

Joe

Joe, was your comment about using steel brake lines just in reference to maintaining the points in judging? Or are they more reliable than stainless lines?

I'm just wanting you to expand on your comment somewhat. Thanks.

Chris

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Chris, I tried using SS lines, they actually look idenical to steel. But I soon discovered that they are very difficult to flare, due to the harder nature of SS, and when attached to the brass blocks the flares didn't seal well to the blocks. I also discovered that some judges put a magnet to the lines. I opted to replace the lines with steel ones, and used Silicone fluid. One additional point, there is a DOT 5 fluid available that is NOT silicone, so be wary. The DOT is just a rating.I got my Silicone from Corvette Central. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the fluid. I let mine set undisturbed in my pressure bleeder for a week before I used it in order to let the little bubbles pop. The pressure bleeder helps in popping the bubbles also.

Joe

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

One additional point; the silicone will not eat your blackout or body paint like traditional glycol-based fluids will , but don't let it get on the paint anyway. It is nearly impossible to completely remove, and I've been told that paint won't stick to it.

Joe

[Terry M.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Actually DOT 5 IS silicone. DOT 5.1 IS glycol based, and IS compatible with other glycol based (DOT 3 & 4) brake fluids. You have to watch out for that decimal point and the number one in order to be sure of what you are using.

One other point about DOT 5 -- it is NOT recommended for vehicles with anti-lock brakes, so keep that in mind for your newer cars.

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Terry, I stand corrected. It is the 5.1 that is non-silicone based. Thanks for the clarification.

Joe

[Chris E.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Chris, I tried using SS lines, they actually look idenical to steel. But I soon discovered that they are very difficult to flare, due to the harder nature of SS, and when attached to the brass blocks the flares didn't seal well to the blocks. I also discovered that some judges put a magnet to the lines. I opted to replace the lines with steel ones, and used Silicone fluid. One additional point, there is a DOT 5 fluid available that is NOT silicone, so be wary. The DOT is just a rating.I got my Silicone from Corvette Central. Make sure there are no air bubbles in the fluid. I let mine set undisturbed in my pressure bleeder for a week before I used it in order to let the little bubbles pop. The pressure bleeder helps in popping the bubbles also.

Joe

Joe, so it sounds like other than the difficulty in flaring and mating the lines to the blocks, and the judging points, there weren't any other issues.

The guy that is helping me with my restoration is recommending SS lines, this is why I'm asking. My plan for my car is to have it judged and then drive it. I intend on keeping the car for decades. I am currently doing a COMPLETE restoration on it, and I'm not real excited to take the body off again in another 10 years. That is my reason for leaning towards SS brake lines. I know I'll take the hit in judging, but I'm told that the lines won't rust then.

If you can provide me with a means to prevent the rusting of the regular steel lines, I'd be interested in hearing about it.

Chris

[Joe R.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Chris, everyone has their opinions and ideas about how to approach certain challenges, and keep in mind this is just mine:

I would stick with the steel lines and use the silicone fluid. Since the silicone fluid rejects water, the lines should never rust significantly in your lifetime as long as you flush the lines occasionally, which you should do regardless of your approach. Check the threads in the archives about silicone. There's a lot of good info there.

Joe

[John H.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Stainless brake lines are a PITA to work with, and get an automatic 50% standard deduction in judging; the original TBW lines lasted 40 years, and new TBW lines will last at least that long the way we care for these cars.

[Duke W.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Given the type of service than vintage Corvettes see - don't drive everyday in all the lousy weather and road conditions - snow, slush, salt, etc. - I would be willing to make a substantial wager that a set of conventional plated steel brake pipes will substantially outlive most of us!

Duke

[Chris E.]

Re: Recommendations On Flushing Brake Lines

Ok, thanks for the opinions everyone. I looked online for brake line kits, and it looks like repo steel kits are CHEAPER than stainless. So not only will it be just as safe as SS brakes, give me more points in judging, but it is cheaper. Cool!