Can you replace a section of brake pipe

EdGasketTheSecond

Leon_W wrote: »

I cannot, for the life of me, work out why car manufacturers still use steel brake pipe.

The additional cost of using a copper alloy would be pence.

Alloy can work-harden and snap and hence has to be better supported than steel. A better suggestion would be why don't manufacturers coat the steel properly!

sevenhills

TheMoonandBack wrote: »

The repair will be good, what about the rest of the pipe that is hidden from view ?

If that was an issue, then all brake pipes should be replaced as a service item at 10 years old.

TheMoonandBack

sevenhills wrote: »

If that was an issue, then all brake pipes should be replaced as a service item at 10 years old.

The visible portion of the pipe is corroded, therefore replace that pipe.
The pipes are inspected annually as part of the MOT, if they fail the test they are failed and must be replaced to pass the test.

Manufacturers also specify inspection as part of the service schedule

Eg (from VW service schedule) :

“– Inspect the brake hoses for porous and brittle points. Inspect the brake hoses and brake lines for chafing points.
– Inspect the brake connections and attachment to ensure they are correctly fitted, free of leaks and corrosion.”

reeac

EdGasketTheSecond wrote: »

Alloy can work-harden and snap and hence has to be better supported than steel. A better suggestion would be why don't manufacturers coat the steel properly!

When I restored my MGA roadster in 1981-3 I bought a complete set of copper brake pipes and used the original steel supporting brackets. I still have the car and the copper pipes are fine.

Retrogamer

I had a section of one of my brake pipes replaced before by cutting off the part with the problem then replacing it with copper section made by the garage. Never gave me any trouble driving or with MOT's for the rest of the car's life.

System

As above it is perfectly acceptable to replace just the bit that has corroded however often you'll find that the bit above the fuel tank which you can't see but which is exposed to the elements has also corroded. On my wife's BMW 5 series the brake pipes above the fuel tank corroding were a common problem.

EdGasketTheSecond

reeac wrote: »

When I restored my MGA roadster in 1981-3 I bought a complete set of copper brake pipes and used the original steel supporting brackets. I still have the car and the copper pipes are fine.

That doesn't disprove what I said is true; research it.