Brake line material.

tomstickland

I'm replacing some corroded brake lines on my car.

I've done some research on the net.
Most people seem to use Kunifer, which is "90-10 Copper-Nickel".

However, I found that the best stuff to use is called Bundy tubing.
I've found that Pirtek stock this.

Does anyone have experience of the various materials? They're both sold by automotive suppliers for use on brake lines.

BillScarab

I've used kunifer in the past, it's easy to use and seems to wrok well. If you're going to the trouble of replacing the brake pipes it might be a good idea to fit braided steel hoses as well.

Looking at Bundy Tubing on Wikipedia I'd stick with the Kunifer, the Bundy tubing is basically steel so it will rot again.

I'm guessing the copper pipe will be easier for a home mechanic to bend as well. Have you got a brake pipe flaring kit as you will need one as well.

tomstickland

Wiki

A 1969 study by the SAE recommended the replacement of Bundy tube with 90-10 copper-nickel alloy UNS C70600 (Kunifer pipe) because of corrosion concerns.[1] Kunifer pipe has since been adopted by European automakers Volvo, Rolls-Royce, Lotus Cars, Aston-Martin, Porsche, and Audi.[2] Bundy pipe retains the advantage higher rigidity, which means less volume expansion under pressure.
The Bundy Tubing Company, started in the USA, was bought in the 1950s by what is now the British company TI Automotive (see

From what I've looked at, there is copper based Bundy tubing. Quite confusing. I assume that the original article I was looking at meant the Steel tube when they called it "Bundy" tubing.


Yes, I'm going to buy a flaring kit.

Conor_3

I'd not choose pure copper either as it can crack from vibration.

tomstickland

Yes, I've been reading about it.
Kurnifer is a Copper-Nickel alloy.

goldspanners

and buying anything from pirtek will usually be much more expensive than thier rivals.
try hydrasun, dunlop hiflex, stauff or even an independant hose company who may be able to supply the same thing cheaper.

anewman

Don't mean to hijack the thread, but seems as appropriate a one as any. Can anyone recommend a good cheap brake pipe flaring kit? And where can one buy a roll of brake pipe and union nuts - and determine the correct dimensions of each for a car?

in2deep_2

Buy kunifer and nothing else.
You can buy it on a 20 or 25 foot rolls from any motor factor, or ask at your local garage to get you a roll.
As for a flaring kit. you get what you pay for.

anewman

So would Sealey AK506 pipe flaring kit for £27.59 delivered available here http://www.pvrdirect.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catref=AK506 be a waste of time?

tomstickland

I'm going to buy a kit from my local independant tool shop, but Machine Mart is an option.

tomstickland

Yes, I've decided to buy what everyone else buys - Kunifer from my local motor factors.