Regan Brown
The braking system is one of the most important components of a car. One of the most important parts of a brake line is the flare, which needs to be performed properly to keep a tight seal. Every vehicle needs double flare brake lines to maintain a proper seal between the hose and fittings. The 45-degree inverted flare is the most common style of flare used in automotive hard lines like brake, fuel, and transmission fluid transfer. To double flare a brake or fuel line, you can purchase or rent a double flaring tool kit, cut the new brake tubing to the required length, and flare the ends for installation.
Characteristics and Values Table for Double Flaring a Brake or Fuel Line
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Angle of the flare seat | 45-degree |
| Process | Two-step |
| Fittings | 3/8-24 inverted flare |
| Fittings type | External or male threads |
| Tube sleeve or flare seat support | Not required |
| Type of wall | Double-walled |
| Tool type | Sturdy bench-mounted vise |
| Tool function | Secures the flaring tool |
| Additional items | Drop of brake fluid or machine oil |
| Line depth | Set according to tool's instructions |
| Line security | Secured by clamping bar |
| Flaring | Performed by forcing cone |
| Flaring tool | Mounted in a vice |
| Flaring tool stability | Increased |
| Flaring tool cost | Under $100 |
| Flaring time | Under an hour |
| Other important points | See sources for additional context |
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What You'll Learn
The importance of double flare brake lines
The braking system of a car is one of its most important components. When you push down on the brake pedal, the force generated by your leg is amplified, causing a piston to move into the cylinder and push out hydraulic fluid. This fluid then moves through the braking system's lines and hoses, causing the car to stop by creating friction between the brake pads.
The 45-degree inverted flare, or double flare, is the most common style of flare used in automotive hard lines, including brake lines. It is important to use the correct tools and techniques when creating a double flare to ensure a proper seal. The quality of the flare is usually directly proportional to the quality of the tool and the skill of the person using it. Using a sturdy bench-mounted vise to secure the flaring tool can greatly aid in creating a quality flare. Additionally, lubricating the end of the tube before flaring can help to achieve smooth flares.
It is worth noting that single flared lines are not suitable for brake lines as they are not durable enough to withstand the pressure. When it comes to brake lines, it is always recommended to use double flared lines to ensure the safety and reliability of the braking system.
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How to make double flare brake lines
Double flare brake lines are important for maintaining a proper seal between the hose and fittings in your car. Making or replacing these lines is relatively inexpensive and can be done in under an hour. However, brakes are the most important safety feature of a car, so it is crucial to make the double flare brake lines correctly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make double flare brake lines:
Step 1: Purchase or Rent a Double Flaring Tool Kit
These kits are inexpensive and include a flare bar, flare yoke, and different-sized anvils. Some kits also come with tubing cutters and deburring tools.
Step 2: Cut the Brake Tubing to the Required Length
Using the measurements from your old brake lines, cut the new brake tubing to the required length with a tubing cutter. Clamp the tubing into the cutter, twist it around the line, and slowly tighten it until the tube falls off.
Step 3: Insert the Hard Line into the Flaring Tool
Place the line fittings and insert the hard line into the correctly-sized opening in the clamping bar of your chosen tool. Set the line depth according to the tool's instructions and secure the line.
Step 4: Create the Flare
Depending on whether you are performing a 37-degree or 45-degree flare, use the tool's forcing cone to create the flare. For a 37-degree flare, you are done at this step. For a 45-degree inverted flare, back off the forcing cone, remove the double flaring adapter, and then tighten the forcing cone again to create the second flare. Add a drop of brake fluid or machine oil to the forcing cone to reduce friction and make the process smoother.
Step 5: Finalize and Install
Remove the line from the flaring tool and repeat the process for any other lines. Install the brake lines, tighten the tube nuts, and bleed your brakes. Spray the finished lines with brake cleaner and compressed air to remove any metal shavings or dust. Always use double-wall steel lines unless otherwise specified for your vehicle.
Remember to test any repairs before driving your vehicle on public roads.
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The tools required for the job
Additionally, a sturdy bench-mounted vise is useful to secure the flaring tool, providing stability and freeing up both hands to work. A 45-degree double flare tool is the most common type used for automotive hard lines like brakes, fuel, and transmission fluid transfer. Speedway, for example, offers a range of flare tool options for different budgets, including "on-car" flaring tools designed for repairing original lines or working in tight spaces.
For bending the fluid lines, bending tools or pliers are required. Speedway, for example, offers a dedicated 3/16-inch brake line bender, as well as other bending tools for different line sizes.
Finally, brake cleaner and compressed air are needed to clean the finished lines, removing any metal shavings or dust.
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The differences between 37-degree and 45-degree flares
When working with pipes or tubing, creating flares on the ends can help secure the tubing and make it easier to attach fittings or connectors. The two main types of flares are 37-degree flares and 45-degree flares.
The 37-degree flare is the most common type of flare and is used in a wide variety of applications. They are relatively easy to create and provide a tight seal that helps prevent leaks. They are also less likely to loosen over time and become damaged. 37-degree flares are less likely to crack or break under stress and are less susceptible to corrosion or chemical damage. They have a smaller sealing area, requiring less force to seal, making them ideal for high-pressure systems.
On the other hand, the 45-degree flare is an SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard. It is a two-step process that creates a double-walled flare seat. This type of flare is commonly used in automotive hard lines like brakes, fuel, and transmission fluid transfer. It provides a better seal against the fitting or connector and is less likely to come loose due to its double-walled design. The 45-degree flare has a larger sealing area and can handle more pressure but requires more force to seal, making it less common in high-pressure applications.
The choice between a 37-degree and a 45-degree flare depends on the specific application. If you need a fitting that can handle high pressure, go with a 45-degree flare. If you require an easy-to-seal fitting, the 37-degree flare is the better option.
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The differences between bubble and double flares
The braking system of a car is one of the most important components when it comes to driving. It is important to know the differences between double and bubble-flared brake lines to avoid any issues.
The double flare is the most popular type of flare and is very common in Asian and American cars, as well as vehicles imported from Europe. It is also known as SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) or Inverted. The double flare fits many variations in car makes and models. It goes inside a vehicle braking system twice and needs a single flare-shaped lip to stay folded over the system. Although it looks similar to a single flare, the double flare is much stronger and can withstand more pressure inside the braking system. The 45-degree inverted flare is the most common style used in automotive hard lines like brake, fuel, and transmission fluid transfer.
Bubble flares, on the other hand, are not interchangeable with double flares. The line and port are different and will not seal properly if the wrong type is used. It is important to determine what type of flare your car needs before starting any brake work.
Both types of flares need to be performed properly to keep a tight seal and prevent leaks. Leaks can also occur if the brake lines are not fitted properly or if the wrong type of flare is used. It is important to use the correct tools and techniques when creating flares to ensure a quality seal.
To create a 45-degree inverted double flare, you will need a double flare tool. The process involves using a forcing cone to create a single flare in the end of the hard line, and then a double flare adapter is used to create the second flare. A sturdy bench-mounted vise can help secure the flaring tool and improve the quality of the flare. Adding a drop of brake fluid or machine oil to the forcing cone can also reduce friction and make the process smoother.
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Frequently asked questions
The 45-degree inverted flare is the SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) standard. The 45-degree flare is the most common style used in automotive hard lines like brake, fuel, and transmission fluid transfer.
You can purchase or rent a double flaring tool kit, which includes a flare bar, flare yoke, and different-sized anvils. Some kits also come with tubing cutters and deburring tools. It is recommended to use a sturdy bench-mounted vise to secure the flaring tool.
First, cut the brake tubing to the required length with a tubing cutter. Then, insert the hard line into the correctly-sized opening in the clamping bar of your tool, set the line depth, and secure the line. Next, use the forcing cone to create a single flare in the end of the hard line. Finally, back off the forcing cone, remove the double flaring adapter, and then tighten the forcing cone again to create the second flare.
