Brake lines

[GingerTurtle]

Has anyone changed their hard brake lines on their Z? I have a 72 240z and went to bleed the lines and test they system and found that one of my hard lines had a hole.

What size lines would you all suggest?

Is there a kit that suggested?

Which master cylinder should I go with? Upgrade to one with a built in bias?

[Zed Head]

You can buy straight lines already flared with fittings from most auto parts stores. Then bend them to shape. If the car is down, remove the line and take it with you to make sure on the fittings. Use a piece of string to get length.

One option.

Why are you asking about master cylinders and upgrading to fix a holed line?

[GingerTurtle]

I bought the car not running and was planning on upgrading the master cylinder and calipers. Figured I would ask while I was at it. I have head people switching to the z31 master cylinder, but to do that you have to replace the hard lines, which is what I am doing anyway.

[Zed Head]

The Z31 master cylinder might not really an "upgrade". It is used to increase pumping volume for use with calipers that require more volume, I believe. If you don't change the calipers, you'll just be increasing pedal pressure to get the same braking force.

For what it's worth, the brakes on the 240Z are pretty good. Many of the "upgrades" are more for show, or perceived benefit (these have to be better!) than actual benefit. You might browse through the forums and read up on brakes before spending the money and time.

[pjoe]

I bought a roll of 3/16 steel tubing and then used a double flare tool to put new ends on the lines after they were routed where they needed to be. Double flaring is no harder than flaring, just one extra step in the process and you need the tool for it. Think I bought a 25' roll of tubing. It might be tricky getting the hard line from front to back with all the suspension and drivetrain in place though. You could cut out the piece with the hole in it and just replace that section with a union. I have the toyota front calipers with a stock aftermarket master cylinder and the brakes work fine. I have never had stock calipers so I dont know if they are better or not.

[d240zx2]

There are some good lines left on 721. Call Doug at Awesome Z to find out what is good. 281.219.0015

[beermanpete]

The brake lines are 3/16" diameter with inverted flare 10mm x 1.0 threaded fittings. As pointed out above, most parts stores stock straight sections in various length. Use a length that is close to the old line and bend to suit.

[grantf]

I just replaced one about a month ago, not easy but not impossible I got a length that was as close as possible but on the long side. Put a little extra bend here and there. It worked out good. And remember use double flare not bubble flare fittings.

[HuD 91gt]

Bump this up to the top.

I just ordered the eastwood tool, and have some brake line waiting in my shopping cart. Which fittings do I need to go with it? I'm reading 10mm x 1 inverted flare, but i'm still lost. Can anyone point it out for me?

JEGS Brake Line Fitting Adapters - Free Shipping on All Orders @ JEGS

[SteveJ]

I thought it was more like these: Amazon.com: AAS Metric Bubble Flare Adapter 271300, 5pcs M10 X 1.0: Automotive

[SteveJ]

Here is another, if I am right: http://www.summitracing.com/parts/rnb-490-710/overview/

[jonathanrussell]

When I build my own hard lines, I buy from fedhill.

The fitting I use is their M5-3 which is fully threaded, 10mm, 1.0 fine pitch. I buy their #18 pack of 12. Here is a link to the fitting.

10mm x 1.0 Fine thread, male, fully threaded, steel nut, SAE (double) flare, 16mm long.

Edited August 11, 2014 by jonathanrussell