Replacing metal brake lines

[Red Rider]

So, my brake lines do not look so hot on my 2004 z71. I heard that the lines often fail prematurely. I was looking to replace some of them now since vehicle is 10 years old and has about 120k. I am not really looking to go SS due to high cost, through I did think of bending up my own lines. I wanted to know:

1. Is there a good kit out there that will provide quality metal lines (not the same crap GM installed that will rust out fast).

2. How hard and how much time does it take to replace the lines.

3. Have people replaced all of them, or only certain ones (which lines typically fail).

Thanks.

 

[Red Rider]

Anyone? Found some kits for replacing all lines. They are around $60 for all hard lines. Not sure of the quality.

 

[OR VietVet]

I have seen some kits, not sure which, that are now covered in some type of plastic to help with the corrosion that is typical in the salt states. Buying pre bent lines means removing the old and running the new in the same place no matter what you have to remove for access. Making your own with the proper tools, technology and materials can be fun and easier. You get to install and run them the way you want. Then make sure you have the correct info material and tools to bleed the system right.

 

[Red Rider]

Have you done it?

I have done all sorts of brake work and am not concerned about the basics. I was just wondering if there were some impossible to reach areas, or other parts that you had to remove to install brake lines. I have considered doing my own and getting a hydraulic kit. I have used a basic flare kit but they are kind of crap and if you have a lot to do, would be a pain in the ass.

 

[OR VietVet]

I was in the business a lot of years and used to make my own flare and double flare lines because I always felt the pre bent were a pain. I did have the best tools to do it with, Snap On, which made it easier. As the pre bent travel from front to back the access can be a pain. I have heard of guys that said you have to remove mounts and brackets and etc for access and of course reinstall. Then you also have to make sure you tie them down so as not to move around. Custom made avoids all that. I would crawl under your rig and look at what you have to do to make pre bent work and then decide.

 

[Red Rider]

Cool. I was really looking to only replace the required lines. I also thought of buying NiCopp or stainless pipe. Much cheaper if you flare yourself than buying SS kits. Have you ever used NiCopp?

Also, any recommended flaring tools? Was looking at hydraulic ones.


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[OR VietVet]

Hydraulic ones would be pricey but if you can afford it then do it. Hard for me to recommend any others than Snap On, Mac or Matco since I was in the business for almost 35 years and was used to them in shops. Do your due diligence and check it all out and make the smart decision for you. You may only use what you buy just one time. I am just old school and have seen the hydraulic ones but never used them.

 

[Red Rider]

Thanks Raiderron. Do you know what size tube to use on tahoe? I would assume it is 3/16". I am looking at the NiCoop lines as it is not that expensive and it will be easy to work with.

 

[OR VietVet]

Most are 3/16" but some of the other feed lines are 1/4". Call NiCoop and they should know which ones.