Whats my brake pipe made of ?

[Danny DeVito]

My car is a V-class V220 . year 2000. Can anyone tell me what my brake pipes are made of ? I want o buy a flaring tool from E-Bay Most tools show double or single flares at 45 degrees , is that what mine would be ? I need to replace the rear brake pipes which run from the back right through to the abs pump. But only 6 inches of pipe actually need replacing. So i want to cut the pipe near the back and fit a male and female connector and join in a new piece. But of course i need to know what the pipe is made of. Does anybody know ? and any helpfull comments would be appreciated. Also are they metric of imperial sizes ?
Thanks

Danny

 

[johnsco]

If the brake pipes are original they will most-likely be of steel.
Put a magnet along them and this will confirm it.
They will be metric dimensions.
It is quite acceptable to use 90/10 copper-nickel brake pipe jointed onto steel pipe with a suitable union.
At least, it won't rust again.

 

[Danny DeVito]

Thanks, i didn't think to put a magnet on it but also i did not know if it might stick to one of the other alloys. I checked and they appear to be steel. Some of the kits on ebay say 'NOT for steel' I was trying to buy the stuff in advance so that i would not have to get a lift from someone. But since i don't know the size of the rear fitting i think i may just remove the whole pipe. Or else cut out the section with end on it and find a lift to the Motor store.

Dealer quoted 110 euro per pipe for supply.

Something else funny. The rear brake with Nothing left on the pad passed the brake test while the better side didn't ! Good testing system

 

[Danny DeVito]

Turns out i had to buy a full pipe because they are unable to flare steel pipes. The flares didn't seem to be very smooth but they appear to have sealed ok. All done about 2 hours to install pipes and bleed brakes etc. Simple enough job but a bit squashy when you reach the engine bay. Two full pipes only cost €30. I'd give the job three Haynes spanners