Mossberg Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 (edited) I am going to change my front brake calipers on my 1993 defender with 200tdi axles, and I require advice on the tools and parts I need, so could you help with the following please; Firstly, what size brake pipe spanner do I need? Second, what size brake pipe do I need and what length. How many fittings will I need. Does anyone have a link to a reasonably priced decent set. Third, any advice on a flaring tool for the pipe. If they are a reasonable price I may buy one, otherwise I may try to borrow one as how often should I need it? And finally, flexible brake hoses. The original ones don't seem too expensive but I have also seen the braided ones. What would you recommend? Are the braided ones better and worth the extra cash. If the braided, a link to reasonably priced ones would be helpful. As always, your help and advice is appreciated. Mick PS - I am looking to change the brake lines as I suspect they may well brake when removing them as they are quite crusty!! Edited January 18, 2022 by Mossberg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 This tool is excellent and does lovely flares - https://www.carbuilder.com/uk/hand-held-brake-pipe-flaring-tool brake pipes are 3/16" and I buy cupronickel in a roll from Automec along with the fittings. I cant remember what fittings are needed off the top of my head but look at the website and the car and you will work that bit out. for the flexi, I dont know - all of the afternarket stuff risks issues. I'm sure Jeff on here had Britpart ones where they failed to make a hole down the centre for the brake fluid! I think the ones on the 110 are Allmakes. But see what other's recommend now (BP owns Allmakes IIRC so god knows what they quality of either is like now). how much are genuine flexi pipes? Might be safest... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blanco Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 If memory serves two flare nut spanner sizes should cover the whole car, 7/16 and 9/16. Automec do nice brass fittings to replace everything that is crusty. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 Also, if you are replacing it all, while the calipers are off, slot the brackets on the top of the hub that hold the end of the hose. That way you can just loosen the locknuts holding the hoses and lift the hose out of the bracket and the caliper out of the way without disconnecting if you have to attend to a swivel for instance. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted January 18, 2022 Share Posted January 18, 2022 A Defender will be metric and so will have 11mm pipe nuts for most of the system, with 13mm for the female nuts on the flexi hoses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossberg Posted January 19, 2022 Author Share Posted January 19, 2022 Guys this is great info many thanks. There are lots of the "in situe" pipe flaring tools on the bay, are they all pretty much the same? (they certainly look it) Regarding the fittings, would you recommend steel, stainless or brass? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cackshifter Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Personally I would avoid steel. I normally use Cunifer pipe with brass fittings (Automec) - they seem to be reasonably corrosion free, ok a bit of verdigris. If you go for the Goodridge type hoses, I suggest get all stainless. These parts all usually get salt sprayed from time to time. I also use either brass or stainless bleed nipples. But this is a personal thing, someone else may have completely different ideas and reasons. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossberg Posted January 19, 2022 Author Share Posted January 19, 2022 Many thanks, I think I will try to go for brass where I can (I am always cautious of stainless binding). I will look into the braided hoses. I did consider britpart as its about £25 for a set, but people have raised issues with these - was this in the past or is it ongoing? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowie69 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 I wouldn't trust my life to them, tbh. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 It's very difficult. I've had Britpart hoses and cylinders on the 109 for two decades, all fine. On the other hand the Britpart light fittings broke up two days after fitting. Buy genuine from Blanchards if in doubt. It's brakes, be doubtful. On steel v non ferrous. The steel will last ten to fifteen years then fail just as you need to service them. Unless you apply anti corrosion, like copper slip or under body wax. I'd fit the Goodrich hoses. In fact, I did. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossberg Posted January 19, 2022 Author Share Posted January 19, 2022 Many thanks folks, I will look for some Goodrich ones. One more question, do the braided hoses make a difference? Sorry for all the questions but I want to make the right choices but can't afford to squander my cash (as then I can't afford to do the next bit!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Who sells Goodrich hoses for our landies? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellaghost Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 11 minutes ago, reb78 said: Who sells Goodrich hoses for our landies? Llama 4x4 regards Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FridgeFreezer Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 As an alternative to all this flaring and bending, I did my entire truck in stainless braided TFE hose from Think Automotive, it's not cheap but I much prefer it - you can cut out a lot of joins, you can route it easily, and there's no faffing about flaring ends. Just a thought. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gazzar Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 58 minutes ago, reb78 said: Who sells Goodrich hoses for our landies? I got mine from paddocks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 Just looked on the Paddocks site for the 110 and they seem to stock Delphi flexi hoses. I would happily fit them. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
reb78 Posted January 19, 2022 Share Posted January 19, 2022 1 hour ago, Stellaghost said: Llama 4x4 regards Stephen I can only see extendy long ones on their site. Do they make normal ones up to order? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stellaghost Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 If you phone him up he will make whatever variation you want, really nice guy regards Stephen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon W Posted January 20, 2022 Share Posted January 20, 2022 Second that about Llama 4x4 you could get complete hose kit made up to save any faffing with a flaring tool. something like this https://llama4x4.com/product/land-rover-extra-long-braid-front-brake-hoses-1-65m-to-run-up-the-radius-arms/. I have got his rear axle kit to fit Also you can swap the fitting on the front callipers to a banjo fitting on the flexi pipe, which then does away with the small copper pipe on to of the swivel housing making changing wheel bearings and swivels easier as the calliper just lifts out the way. There is a thread on here somewhere about it. An expensive way of doing it but Pioneer do full brake hose kits but i think are more pricey than llama. https://www.pioneer4x4.com/products/full-brake-line-kits/land-rover/defender-90-land-rover/ If you are likely to be doing more then buy a good flare kit as i have used cheap and they are infuriating. I borrowed a mates proper kit and it was lovely and easy to use mounted in a vice. Gwyn lewis has a good way of making brkae pipes nice and neat I wish i had seen it before rebuilding my 90 https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1575241232635104 Jon 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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