Brake Pipes - copper alloy or steel? - & Brake Fluid

[DRDT]

I have been mulling over the options for replacing my brake pipes which are starting to show signs of corrosion - not serious but but will need doing in due course. Having read a wealth of info via google it seems opinion is evenly spread between 'avoid copper at all costs and copper allloy is the best'. Any thoughts amongst the 996 techno wizards.

Also Brake fluid - clearly DOT 4 (any specific DOT 4?) should be used but again it appears from google search that DOT 5 synthetic is perfectly OK but difficult to get out all the air when bleeding = spongy pedal. Again any thoughts out there.

[8|]

 

[Robin]

I have used copper brake pipes on my older car installing them some 15 years ago from Automec Buckingham and have had no problems at all with them. Also I am using DOT5 silicone brake fluid which is easy to install using a Gunsons pressure brake bleeder (from Halfords) All you have to do is fill the bleeder bottle with the brake fluid, pressurise it from a tyre valve, then go round the car opening the bleed valves until the fluid comes out of that bleed valve. Simples, and you can do it all by yourself. It is easier if you can get under the car on a lift or putting it up on axle stands and take the wheels off.

 

[richard hall]

I am just coming to the end of my mammoth golf mk 3 r32 build
for the brake lines I am using Kunifer(Cu+10%nickel) most modern cars are usually mild steel coated in plastic
some people use copper for me corrosion resistance is most important Cu is more maleable Kunifer once fitted is uaully to hard to reowork and has to be replaced

as for brake fluid ATE super blue racing which is dot 4 the castrol srf every one goes on about is very hygroscopic and will need replacing frequently at £40 a bottle that is £80 a time really only for racing cars not daily drivers the ate stuff is rated for 3 years some other people like castrol response super

 

[Lancerlot]

Brake fluid - Dot 4 is fine - any good make will do. I would personally stay clear of the silicone stuff.

Hoses - have you considered teflon s/s braided hose, e.g Earles, Aeroquip or WHY?

Available from any number of UK suppliers and lengths can easily be made up yourself, using appropriate fittings and normal DIY tools.

It is not overly expensive, cannot corrode and is the best solution for brake hydraulics. It is used extensively in motorsport.

Regards,

Clive