Brake pipe and union size

[spadam 7]

Im going to replace the brake pipes on my mk3 vr6 1998. And would like to know the size of the brake pipes and the unions i will need i found this set on ebay would they be any good.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/3-16-X-25-FT-22G-COPPER-BRAKE-PIPE-C-W-20-METRIC-NUTS-/200534067585?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_3&hash=item2eb0c30981

[rsweeney 40]

im not sure mate but i need to do the brake lines on my 1994 golf vr6 as there nearly rotted through so i would be interested in knowing

[FishWick 21]

Brake line spec is 3/16 SAE single flare with 11mm unions.

Line choices are VAG coated steel, copper or Cupronickel which is a copper-nickel alloy.

If you want to do it properly and use nice VAG steel lines and ends (availble from the dealer) then you're going to need a good tool like this to flare the ends properly - http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0012MB482/ref=asc_df_B0012MB4821407420?smid=A29TH01F0VDAOP&tag=googlecouk06-21&linkCode=asn&creative=22218&creativeASIN=B0012MB482

If you want to use copper, and do it in situ, something like this should suffice - http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000RHK6XM/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_1?pf_rd_p=103612307&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B0012MB482&pf_rd_m=A3P5ROKL5A1OLE&pf_rd_r=1XZ9VQZ2X2E216ZACQHR

I would also recommend one of these - http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/Mini-Tube-Cutter-3-22mm-Sealey-AK5050

And one of these - https://www.europaspares.com/WORKSHOP/TOOLS/BRAKE_PIPE_BENDING_TOOL___MEDIUM___BPBT__2707.html

Having replaced some lines on mine recently, honestly, I wouldn't even attempt it without the proper tools!

[spadam 7]

Ok thanks for the information Kev. I have spoken to paul and he has the brake flaring tool. So i have ordered my self some cooper pipe and some unions. With any luck there wont be to many pipes needing to be replaced but dont want to be caught out and not have the materials to do the job so better safe then sorry.

Cheers

[FishWick 21]

Absolutely!

It's really easy mate, have fun!

[rsweeney 40]

is this piping any good to use ? http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/1-X-Brake-Pipe-3-16-Copper-Nickel-New-Tubing-/120488493337?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item1c0dac8119

[spadam 7]

Yep i paid less and got 10 unions included also

[rsweeney 40]

all the ones sem to be 10mm or 3/8 so the unions have to be 11mm ? ill have another look around

[finny 0]

I was changing the front brake hoses to braided stainless steel and got one side done with no issues but the off side I managed to start rounding off the 11mm union.

Going to take it to a garage to sort out as its just hassle now. They might have better tools to loosen the union.

Not sure what's best. They probably will have to remove the suspension strut for better leverage etc but as the existing union is getting rounded: should they just renew the steel/ copper brake line end and I'll get a new union.

This will save removing the suspension strut.

How difficult will it be?. Will they have to do a new continuous pipe all the way to master cylinder or where it goes. Or can you make a pipe joint?

Any thoughts?

[finny 0]

All done, managed to loosen the nut without removing the suspension strut.

Old car, tight nuts!

[spadam 7]

Will be attempting mine over christmas with a host of other work aswell. Hopefully all goes well.

[michael5556 247]

If I bought some braided hoses what would I need to fit them? Just spanners etc?or a proper tool?

[legvw 0]

If I bought some braided hoses what would I need to fit them? Just spanners etc?or a proper tool?

You'd have to get the ends of the hoses crimped on with proper hydraulic fittings. Not quite a diy job, but do-able, using someone like pirtek for the crimping and fittings.

[michael5556 247]

What about buy a goodridge kit? I am assuming that comes with all the fittings?

[Lukey. 381]

if you got a set of 6 braided hoses then technically you can undo the current hoses and just wind the new ones on, but this is at least a 13 year old car with probably original brake fittings, getting them off with out damaging them will be very lucky indeed. All 6 of mine were so welded together i had to cut the original unions off and re pipe the fronts from the abs unit and the backs from just in front of the rear beam with all new unions

[spadam 7]

If u want to Chanel the acual hose then buy domineering goodridge stainless hoses. I soaked all my union in wd40 and Paul managed to get them off rather easily didn't need to re pipe anything.

[michael5556 247]

So basically it will be a fun challege? But the goodridge kit should contain it all unless I snap something etc

[spadam 7]

Yea buy some cooed brake pipe and unions just incase there's a link to the stuff I brought earlier in this thread. Make sure u have a large can of wd40.

[legvw 0]

What about buy a goodridge kit? I am assuming that comes with all the fittings?

Sorry, i got the wrong end of the stick! Must have been too early for my brain to function!

Goodridge kits are easy enough to fit, just be prepared for some stubborn brake fittings!

[kaisersolsay 0]

I just replaced my rears and the clutch pedal goes straight to the floor. Is the clutch plumbed into the brake servo? When I bleed the brakes will the clutch pedal come back?

[legvw 0]

Bleed the clutch too, there is a nipple on the back of the slave cylinder, on top of the gearbox.