PTFE or Copper brake lines

[pj.13 0]

Any body have any ideas on ptfe or copper brake lines. I am in the position of fitting new lines and can go either route so am looking for advice on which way to go.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 704]

I use copper for the headlines & PTFE/stainless braided flex is the later makes a very noticeable difference in pedal feels/travel.

[STEVE440 6]

Kunifer for hard lines and braided PTFE for flexible every time. 

Well worth spending some cash on some tools to get smooth bends and a proper flaring tool, if its £40 you will struggle to get good joints. It needs to be the type that is clamped in a vice so you can get a good amount of pressure as you flare. A properly flared brake pipe should only need nipping up to seal. Bending pipes with your fingers is fine as a one off but if you are replacing all or a lot of pipes neat pipes look so much better.

Finally I suggest stainless brake pipe unions. More expensive but will last for ever.

 

[Lotuscops 80]

I see a lot of copper lines but they always look a bit out of place - can you get them in silver finish but not steel?#

[Deano66 237]

I have used Kunifer before,but we now use cheap copper brake pipe at work,it is easy to bend,but after it has been fitted a while

it goes green & looks scruffy.

I had copper on my Estate,but when I finally get to the point of fitting brake pipes I have got steel pipe for the engine bay & I was given a roll of plastic coated steel pipe that I will use for underneath.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 704]

I'm more interested in longevity & practicality than originality.

[dgo 71]

I'm with STEVE440 - Kunifer (cupronickel) for hard lines and braided PTFE for flexible.  I wouldn't use copper, it's too soft, corrodes and will eventually work harden.  It also has a lower burst pressure.  I've personally not seen a rule against pure copper in the UK though it is notable for example that pure copper is excluded in the US - it is not DOT approved.

 

[John Mack 323]

My take on copper is that if it isn't secured correctly, then it will move and vibrate and in doing so then there's the possibility of it fracturing over time.

If you replace pipes neatly "as they were" then there'll be no problem.  It's no wonder it's not allowed in the US, have you seen their head honcho, imagine what their mechanics are like !

I've used both over the years, never had a problem with either although the kunifer does keep it's looks better but the copper is easier to use.

Each does the job.

 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 704]

By copper most people meen kunifer.

[John Mack 323]

2 hours ago, sheffieldcortinacentre said:

By copper most people meen kunifer.

Who does ?!!

[sheffieldcortinacentre 704]

People in general due to the copper colour 

Edited November 23 by sheffieldcortinacentre

[STEVE440 6]

Automec who make brake pipes ready to fit claim there's are copper. In truth they rarely fit that well and for the price you might as well buy the raw materials and the tools and make a set that fit perfectly. 

If you are bothered about the look of Kunifer cover it in black heat shink before you fit the ends.

I also suggest some copper grease on the threads of all the joints so if you need to undo them everything will easily come apart. I also put PTFE on the threads on the bleed nipples, makes bleeding them a lot easier and will help next time you need to undo them.

The braking system on your car is well worth spending the time and money getting it 100% correct, spend the time and it will be a better system.