Need to replace rear brake line on 1997 Acura CL. Looking over copper or stainless brake lines. Is there a preference as far as which one is easier to work with? Supposedly they now make “soft” stainless lines for easier bending. Not sure if that affects quality and endurance.

pure copper is generally not recommended, as far as I know stainless steel would be a better choice

Are you making up your own? Why not go to a car parts store and get one pre-made?

Plain copper tubing will not take the pressure of brake fluid. Wrapped brazed steel is the norm for brake lines. These come bare or coated in polymer wrap for corrosion protection. This will double-flare and bubble (ISO or single) flare very easily. Stainless tubing is harder to bend and double flar…

Are pre fab lines an option? that would be my choice.

That’s what I’m talking about - match up the fittings and the overall length at the neighborhood Autozone/whatever.

I thought about getting a pre-made line for this car, but I am also thinking of replacing the other brake lines as well. They seem OK, but where the fasteners keep them in place I can see rust spots as well. Seems over the 20+ years the constant vibration and weather is getting to these areas. I was…

The first set lasted 20 years. If the pre-made set lasts another 20 years, that would be good enough for me.

You will not find copper at an auto parts place because you should not use it on autos. Use only genuine auto brake lines. You can find them in various lengths, with the correct end fittings, at many of the better parts places. If it’s a little too long you can bend it carefully.

[image] shanonia: You will not find copper at an auto parts place because you should not use it on autos There’s a nickel-copper alloy version of brake line that’s available & ok to use in the USA from what I can tell. This subject has been discussed here before. As I recall there are some …

Maybe more bendable without kinking? I did not know there was a copper-content brake pipe. I was picturing copper as in my basement plumbing.

Copper or stainless brake lines?

General Discussion

George_San_Jose1 October 31, 2018, 1:31am 12

Copper-nickel alloy is probably pretty tough stuff. I guess it is sort of like first people into metallurgy discovered the usefulness of copper, then even better when they added some tin to get bronze, then to add zinc to get brass.

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Copper or stainless brake lines?

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