matt barker Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Hi all I'm a reasonably new “landroverist”, but I 've been into 4x4s and off-roading for a while now with my grand cherokee my off road baby However todays question is more about my 200tdi disco, all the brake pipes are looking a bit rough so I'm gona replace the whole lot, I've done this before on my Jeep when I re-plumbed it to do away with the pesky ABS, as I'm sure everyone's aware bending cutting and flaring pipes is a monster PITA, and I never want to do it again! On rimmer bros I found a complete set of ready made pipes (so no flaring measuring or cutting or finding correct connections) but its made of copper, ive always been under the impression this can be bad sue to work hardening, and have thus used kunnifer pipes what are other peoples experiences of copper, have you had any issues or used one of these kits etc. any advice much appreciated. cheers matt barker Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roguevogue Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 I've always used copper, much easier to work with, with no problems. I'm sure a serious off-roader will be along to give all the pros and cons though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Train Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 I installed a kit of copper brake and clutch pipes with Aeroquip SS braided flexible in a race prepped MGB in 1989 and it was fine right up to when I sold in 2006. It was in regular use with alternate years of being in storage. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boothy Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 Its a big like Marge or Butter, Strawberry or Rasberry jam, Bitter or Mild, whatevers in the cupboard is what goes on mine, does it matter????? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt barker Posted August 10, 2009 Author Share Posted August 10, 2009 Its a big like Marge or Butter, Strawberry or Rasberry jam, Bitter or Mild, whatevers in the cupboard is what goes on mine, does it matter????? i don't know, technically plain copper has a lower burst pressure, and is more affected by work hardening than kunnifer and I would assume that with it been softer it could be more likely to fail around the flares. However I just wanted to get some real world examples before I go and fit it and end up sitting in a 2 tonne lump of rust heading towards the back of a bus with no stoppers! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Night Train Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 The copper looks nice when it is polished and lacquered. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 I use both - whatever they have in stock at the time really. Copper does work harden, but if the pipe is fitted/supported correctly, then I can't see a problem with it. I've never known copper pipe to fracture, and I guess the safety guys don't think it's a risk, which is why it's safety marked. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jil6939 Posted August 10, 2009 Share Posted August 10, 2009 As said its chalk and cheese. I use copper and have been saved and troubled by it. I was saved when something got caught in it and it pulled in a very very very large loop away from the rear axle but did not break and finnished the day. At the last event i snapped a front pipe where it had work hardened next to the front caliper. This was my own fault completely as i had noticed it going hard where i had removed the caliper various times for maintenance and had it down for replacement but for some reason unknown to me i never got around to it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
clbarclay Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 If your removing the caliper a lot then you could turn the holes in the braketholding the flexible hoses to the CV housing into slots. Then you just slacken the locking nuts and the caliper with brake pipes can be lifted ouf without bending any pipes or disconnecting brake lines. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Simon Smith Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Back in my kit car days, many many years ago, there were quite a few failures of copper brake lines due to vibration. Personally I only used Kunnifer then, and still use it now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisM_110 Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Its a big like Marge or Butter, Strawberry or Rasberry jam, Bitter or Mild, whatevers in the cupboard is what goes on mine, does it matter????? Butter > Marge anyday Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smo Posted August 11, 2009 Share Posted August 11, 2009 Copper is fine, cunifer is better but costs more...if you already have pipe use it, otherwise buy whatever you can afford, they do the same job after all!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matt barker Posted August 12, 2009 Author Share Posted August 12, 2009 Thanks for all the responses guys, its all much appreciated, taking all the information into account I’ve decided to make my own kunnifer pipes, I just don’t want to risk it especially as doing some long drives into Europe and beyond soon and I will save about £50 – £60 off pre made ones (I’ll just rope at mate in to help undo the seized nuts and flare the flares!) So my next question what size brake unions and nipples do I need to order, and are they the ones with a shoulder or without a shoulder. Makes sense to check first as apposed to ripping it apart then catching the bus to the parts store! Cheers all Matt B Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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