GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk2 => Topic started by: antogoof on 10 October 2009, 12:59

Title: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: antogoof on 10 October 2009, 12:59

had a problem over the last week, i have put 16v prakes on my 8v mk2. i have goodridge hoses to put on and the nut on the union in the front wheelarch is solid............

i mean solid.

tried wd40, brake cleaner and heat, none of which worked. using an 11mm spanner on the nut is a turd as well as if you give it too much grief it will round the nut.

i was going to cut the brake pipe and re flare it, but the flaring tools i have been looking at are about £80 for steel pipe.

i can buy a kit for less than £35 to re do the brake lines in copper with all the unions, cutter, pipe bender and flaring tool, but i am a bit dubious as to the quality as the exsisting lines are steel.

would copper be ok to use instead of steel?

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: Horney on 10 October 2009, 13:04

Yeah I've used copper pipes on all my Golfs when I've had to replace them.

nick

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: antogoof on 10 October 2009, 13:12

i dont really know what probs it could possibly cause but i was just a bit concerned as it has steel lines and copper is a bit weaker?

thans nick btw :smiley:

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: jase16gti on 10 October 2009, 13:14

iv always use copper pipes, it is a lot easier to work with than steel and never corrode

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: Horney on 10 October 2009, 13:15

copper lines I believe are a bit thicker to cope with the pressure but other than that I don't think there's any difference.

nick

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: oakgreengolf on 10 October 2009, 13:22

I wipe a bit of copper grease on them as you do get surface rust

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: molegti on 10 October 2009, 13:28

"copper" brake lines are usually kunifer and surely that has to be an improvement over steel?

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: antogoof on 10 October 2009, 13:35

sound. its a done deal then, copper it is.

thanks for all the replies. :smiley:

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: Ben Lessani on 10 October 2009, 13:39

Copper is the standard for replacement pipe.

Steel is manufacturers line - and is VERY difficult to flare, it cracks easily.

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: richard s on 10 October 2009, 20:16

i use copper/nickel mix pipe as its a bit stiffer and i think it shapes a bit nicer than copper

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: Diamond Hell on 10 October 2009, 21:34

+1 on the copper/nickel mix.

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: orbit48 on 10 October 2009, 22:07

first i would buy some good quality brake pipe spanners mate, i've just renewed both front flexi's on my 16v this morning and to start off with i tried using normal snap on spanners but they wouldn't budge just like yours, my mate came over with his "signet" brake pipe spanners and they cracked them off first time no problem.  i think it's because they cover another 1 of the hexegan corners of the nut so you can get lots more power on 5 points of the nut, rather than just applying power to 3 points of the nut with a mormal spanner

sorry about the essay....................but i hope you get my drift and it helps you out  :wink:

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: orbit48 on 10 October 2009, 22:09

these are the beauties..................


http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/S33720-SIGNET-FLARE-NUT-SPANNERS-4PC-SET-9-17mm_W0QQitemZ400040421053QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Hand_Tools_Equipment?hash=item5d244466bd&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: VW BUSH on 11 October 2009, 13:46

Cupronickel ftw

Copper is not used on production cars cos its mega expensive :smiley:
It is also a little soft and does not take to impact very well
Cupronickel is a little tougher and corrosion resistant also electrode neutral.

Stainless is also good but more difficult to shape :smiley:

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: danny_p on 12 October 2009, 01:27

steel is just used oem as it's cheeper.

copper/nickel is actualy much better.

shapes easyer,  dosent corrode,  and if you rebend it it wont crack   also you can do tighter bends with it

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: antogoof on 13 October 2009, 18:01

bought a kit off fleabay at 33 quid delivered it came today so i am gonna have a pop at it tomorrow or another day when im not fooked! cheers for all the advice anyway everyone. :smiley:

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: DarnPB on 13 October 2009, 19:00

I made up all the brake pipes on my Cobra with copper and it went through the SVA and MOT with it, and it was recommended, so yes, copper is fine.

Title: Re: can i use copper for my brakelines?
Post by: AudiA8Quattro on 13 October 2009, 19:02

Copper is fine. I have my own flaring kit with a reel of copper pipe.
Made one up for a neighbour last week, its still ok as far as i know  :huh: