BigFish246

2000 Astro
Does anyone know where to purchase exact fit, or pre-bent, brake lines?
Surprisingly I can't find anything that is pre-bent online. Nothing that is a direct replacement. Everywhere I look they only offer lines that can be bent, but nothing that would bolt up.
-Thanks.

ihatemybike

Yeah, that's what you will find, even at the dealer. In all seriousness, brake line is so easy to bend into shape that there really is no reason to stock pre-bent for every vehicle. The lines that you are finding will bolt up, just have to do a little more work. Cut the compression nut off your old line, cut the improper nut off the new line, slide on the old nut, and double flare the new line. The LAPS by me have the flaring tool in their loaner tools. The bending tool they usually make you purchase, but I take care not to mess up the tool or packaging and return it for full credit.

Don't be afraid of this process, it's really not that bad. I created my first good flare on my second attempt on a extra piece of line. This summer I had the pleasure of replacing the front right brake line. I did it right and replaced the whole line. Roughly 42" and wraps around the front of the van ending under the drivers seat. That's so long I had to buy a roll of brake line, which means I had to do two flares and use both of the original compression nuts.

Phone support is available, PM for number.

maxxman04

what he said. no one makes pre bent factory lines. no money in it. junkyard, or make your own. not hard at all.

BigFish246

Thank you guys, that's helpful.

Just 2 more questions:
1. When you make the flares on the ends, do you heat the tube with a torch or something to soften it up?
2. Will this tool work for making Double butted Flares?
http://www.harborfreight.com/7-piece...-kit-5969.html

gotstylez

the first question is no..the tool or tool kit does it,its easy. dunno about the 2nd question

ihatemybike

1) Brake lines are actually pretty soft. No need.
2) Without stating that it does double flares I'd say no.
This kit is what they have as a loaner tool at Advance Auto. I've used it a few times.

Alltrade Tools Kit 23 Double Flaring Tool Set (9 piece)

BigFish246

Does anyone know how to activate the ABS system in order to flush out the brake fluid? I want to bleed out the brake fluid after I install new brake lines. I have heard of this, but do not know the details.

BigFish246

All of the brake lines are out. About 1 day of work so far; mostly because it rained 1/2 day.
Astro Van is Hard to work on.

ihatemybike

Egads! What made you want to do all that?

BigFish246

It failed State Inspection. The rear line was completely crumbling apart. Once I started looking at the condition of these lines, I saw how badly corroded all of them are. If I didn't replace all of them, I would be kicking myself in the rear later.
Aaron, have you ever heard of making the ABS system active to flush out brake fluid?