Brake pipes.

[1098]

Renewing my van's braking system. Always used Copper,but thinking of Cupro Nickel ? I assume this is superior to copper ? Looking for a van kit,anyone know a supplier ?

[bmcecosse]

Copper is not suitable for brake pipes. Kunifer is the preferred option - non rotting and non 'work hardening' . Just buy the kit and a roll of pipe and make your own.

[1098]

Copper is not suitable for brake pipes. Kunifer is the preferred option - non rotting and non 'work hardening' . Just buy the kit and a roll of pipe and make your own.

Ok Roy, I take on what you say,but why are they still selling copper ? because it will do for a while ? or does it have a shelf life ?[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Because they possibly don't know any better.... or just maybe it's not 'copper' and is in fact Kunifer. Copper looks lovely, all polished up on wee ancient Veteran cars driving to Brighton at 10 mph.... But for daily use - the very act of putting a flange on the end causes a work hardening process to begin at the zone where the copper is 'worked'. And over time and vibration - it spreads and cracks form... Not long after I got my Trav I was working at the rear and brushed against a brake pipe going to a rear cylinder - and it fell off at the cylinder! Don't risk it...

[moggyland]

Hi I got the kit for my pickup from esm. Copper pipe with brass unions very good and no hassle.

[bmcecosse]

Until the copper breaks......

[moggyland]

As long as your pipes are properly secured and not hanging around I can't see any problems with it.

[panky]

Similar thing happened to a friend of mine, just coming off the motorway in his Supersnipe and the pedal went to the floor and being an auto there was minimal engine braking but he managed to stop on the handbrake. A short pipe to one of the front callipers had broken off at the cylinder - it was made of copper.
Would annealing the copperpipe after flaring the end prevent breakages or would it just take a bit longer?

[1098]

Ok, Thanks everyone. The last brake rebuild I did was very good,I used all good kit,genuine cylinders etc. The brakes are still great. Looking to do the same (different van) again,just thought I would try a better material for the pipes. As you can see, the master cylinder in my everyday driver,is well past it's sell by date. Possibly fitted at the factory ? Thanks again for the replys. Ed[frame][/frame]

[bmcecosse]

Clipping should be done anyway - but the problem starts at the 'flare' on the end of the pipe.. You could try annealing - 'maybe' it will help...but why take the chance when there is a perfectly good alternative !!

[les]

I keep meaning to replace my copper pipes after hearing scare stories but then have had no problems so far, after 15 years!