Flaring steel lines is a skill which needs to be practiced before it should
be done on a line which is to be used on a vehicle. A special flaring kit with
double flaring adapters is required. It is essential that the flare is formed
evenly to prevent any leaks when the brake system is under pressure. Only steel
lines, not copper lines, should be used. It is also mandatory that the flare
be a double flare. With the supply of parts available today, a pre-flared steel
brake line should be available to fit your needs. Due to the high pressures
in the brake system and the serious injuries that could occur if the flare should
fail, it is strongly advised that pre-flared lines should be installed when
repairing the braking system. If a line were to leak brake fluid due to a defective
flare, and the leak were to go undetected, brake failure would result.
WARNING
A double flaring tool must be used, as single flaring tools cannot produce a
flare strong enough to hold the necessary pressure.
- Determine the length of pipe needed. Allow 1⁄8 in.
(3.2 mm) for each flare. Cut using an appropriate tool.
- Square the end of the tube with a file and chamfer the edges. Remove any
burrs.
- Install the required fittings on the pipe.
- Install the flaring tool into a vice and install the handle into the operating
cam.
- Loosen the die clamp screw and rotate the locking plate to expose the die
carrier.
- Select the required die set and install in the carrier.
- Insert the prepared line through the rear of the die and push forward until
the line end is flush with the die face.
- Make sure the rear of both halves of the die are resting against the hexagonal
die stops. Then, rotate the locking plate to the fully closed position and
clamp the die firmly by tightening the clamp screw.
- Rotate the punch turret until the appropriate size points toward the open
end of the line to be flared.
- Pull the operating handle against the line resistance in order to create
the flare, then return the handle to the original position.
- Release the clamp screw and rotate the locking plate to the open position.
- Remove the die set and the line, then separate by gently tapping both halves
on the bench. Inspect the flare for proper size and shape.
