C250D brakepipes

[The mallard]

Hi
A friend had brake failure on his C250 (think it is the 202 model) turns out the rear brake pipe has fractured near the centre at the rear axle, under a mounting clip (looks like it has been kinked at some point) The pipe then leads over the plastic saddle fuel tank and forward. Looks like a nightmare to replace over the fuel tank as there seem to be 2 mounting clips above it, and as it is a saddle tank cannot be lowered easily.
Does anyone have any tips or is it a rear drive removal job??

 

[johnsco]

Can you not re-route the brake pipe by an easier route ?
It doesn't have to follow the original route - As long as it is secured properly and is safe from damage from speed bumps and the like.

 

[The mallard]

I am considering that, as to replace via the original route looks tortuous to say the least, I was hoping someone might know a shortcut, but suspect there isn't one
Thanks

 

[EDZ649]

I assume you will do it in copper, much easier to bend and feed through tight areas than the steel ones .

 

[The mallard]

Yes copper, cut out the bad and fit a new section between wherever I can access 2 points to get the flaring tool into.
Re-route looks like the quickest way

 

[johnsco]

Use copper-nickel.
It's far superior in strength and corrosion resistance to copper.
It's still easier to bend and flare than steel.