can i use copper for my brakelines?

[antogoof]

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?

[Horney]

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

nick

[antogoof]

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

[jase16gti]

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

[Horney]

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

[oakgreengolf]

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

[molegti]

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

[antogoof]

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

thanks for all the replies.

[Ben Lessani]

Copper is the standard for replacement pipe.

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

[richard s]

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