How to make Stainless steel braided brake lines the RIGHT way

Stainless steel braided brake lines are a great upgrade to improving the 'feel' of your brakes, be it on a car or motorcycle. You can buy 'of the shelf' made up hoses with the correct fittings crimped to the hose which is usually the best option.
However, the necessary kit may not be available for your vehicle, or maybe it's been modified (lifted 4x4 or aftermarket calipers on your motorcycle). If this is the case then your best option is to go for one of the 'kit sets' available through most aftermarket suppliers.
These sets include unions that use olives and are tightened onto the hose. Allowing them to be disassembled and altered or repaired should the need arise so in my humble opinion a much more versatile option.
Caution must be taken however, correct instillation of the fittings is critical otherwise the hose may leak & potentially fail completely - on a motorcycle this could be a very serious issue.
I have made up many of these hoses over the years, for 4x4s, motorcycles & many ATVs & yes, I do admit one or two of the fittings did spring a small leak but 100s did not so I reckon I have a pretty damn good success rate with these.
So, in this video I run through the best way of installing the fittings, I include a few tips & tricks plus run through what aspects can trip you up too.
If you have any questions or comments please add them below & I'll do my best to get back to you when I can (busy chap!).
Andy Mechanic

[@USMC-Sniper-0137]

Don't forget to blow them lines out when finished cutting through them because debris/dust blew into the hose while cutting it off and yes, trash goes inside there. Should blow the hose out before assembly as it will be easier than trying to get an air hose nozzle near the end of a brake line port as it is inside the loop. No sense in letting trash flow around in your lines etc. causing wear and tear, and possibly blocking ports or sticking brake pistons. Cleanliness is number one!!

[@Iamtherodlight1453.]

Thank you sir awesome. Grinder option makes total sense.

[@sharkbaitsurfer]

Andy that was a piece of absolutely brilliant instruction - well done!

[@TherealBakers]

I used to use these when I built trikes for Hannigan Motorsports. Now, I’m looking all over for them for my current projects.

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

Always a pleasure Andy. Professional, courteous, respectful, polite and straight to the fuckin point 😂. Great channel with and without the tool gals. They are however so very helpful 👍.

[@Ryo8761]

Could have put the nut on the line first from the fitting. Then follow the steps on the video of taping the line and then cutting it with a disc grinder. This way you don't have to "fiddle" nut on the line.

[@lostnthought9780]

Hello Andy. Glad to see you in the work shop so much this week. Always good info and good variety in your videos. Those 11mm nuts are for us oddballs in the states. 11mm and 7/16" of an inch are almost identical. Only 0.004" of an inch or 0.1mm separate the two. Our 7/16" would basically be an 11.1mm for the rest of the world. See ya next video!

[@AndyMechanic]

Cheers Kevin :-)

[@grimdavis58]

This is great, I was tired of spending a lot of money having mine made, now I do it all my self

[@mcrande]

The reason it's a 11mm is because everyone loses the 10 and 12mm spanners and nobody loses an 11

[@AndyMechanic]

Haha! Awesome answer! Lol

[@jaredtippets6255]

I don’t even have an 11 socket I don’t think

[@This_Is_Not_My_Username]

​@@jaredtippets6255 Good because you can't even use a socket on that.

[@hawssie1]

The reason an 11mm fits is likely because its actually imperial 7/16" which is a close comparison. This teflon fitting/ hose system originated in the USA.

[@AndyMechanic]

Ah....good to know, thanks Nick :-)

[@peterwriede7772]

Thanks for this perfect video Andy, exactly the issue I was experiencing. Nice one!

[@andreavailati8292]

Thanks mate! Best video on youtube about this assembly!

[@midas61]

Shrink sleeve around and overlapping the end of the hose with is little lubricant allows you to slide the fitting on the pipe easily.

[@jacobclark89]

I think some hose is made only for crimp fitting

[@dr.mikedaydccme4606]

I live in California and we have ridiculous laws as well. Nothing makes any sense when you add it all up but, I guess I’m gonna make some brake lines for my bike. I’ve done it before but I was looking at some of these handheld crimpers. And for some reason, I just don’t really trust that it’s gonna work right and I know if I tighten it up by hand like you are it’s gonna be right. 🧐🤣

[@robddickinson4217]

Excellent vid Andy, many thanks for posting. Kudos to you...

[@jeroendupont8278]

Hi Andy, thanks for the video! How to get the right angle if I have a banjo at each end with the hose turning while I’m screwing the thing.. it work for the first one🤔but not the second..

[@davidk6271]

I enjoyed this , thanks for posting

[@AndyMechanic]

Great :-) Cheers for the feedback. Andy

[@markabbott5400]

Great vid , think I may have a go at this next time I change a break line 👍

[@AndyMechanic]

Cheers Mark, if it's for a road going vehicle do check they are legal where you live. Thanks for the feedback. Cheers Andy

[@haroldhartsock2120]

May be a good idea to pressure check the fluid line.

[@davidscott3292]

Worth pointing out that this video features braided hose without a clear plastic coating on the outside, which would need peeling off for a short length if you are to have a chance of getting the hose into the fitting. Also I found with the pipe and fitting I had that the olive was very much harder to get over the teflon inner than in this video, and similarly getting the spike into tube through the olive very tricky.

[@garethlipyeart6520]

yea same as venhill sleeved hose pain in the arse

[@betacam235]

I've had a recurrent problem with the DIY threaded union lines. The last few threads worth of tightening always seems to cause the braiding and the inner tube to twist, and then tightening the other end adds to the twist. This can ruin the teflon tube. I would like to suggest that suppliers send a reverse threaded union for every normally threaded one, as doing final tightening would then cancel and twisting tendency .

[@GrumpyGarry121]

How doo Andy. Another good vid, need some braided lines for my bike might take a gander at doin them myself. Having a frigging great summer here for a change, in case you fancy coming back 😏

[@AndyMechanic]

Cheers.....well maybe....one day....though things do seem to be going well over here :-)

[@peterbrown6224]

I cannot remember the last bad weather here. Mind you, the garden's as dry as a dead dingo's donger.

[@GrumpyGarry121]

Peter Brown - funny how we forget that winter that seemed like it would never end! Bad winter and good summer or mild winter and shite summer?

[@GrumpyGarry121]

Andy Mechanic yeh I noticed you seem to be having fun!

[@jasonmoss6891]

I used a modified golf tee ( i cut off some of the shaft off )vto spay the SS braid it worked ok.

[@garethlipyeart6520]

cheers mate had a nightmare with my venhill stuff self build have been trimming back the brading and cutting off with dremmell lol no wonder i had leaks

[@EricJolly-cn4ly]

Why not put the nut onto the hose before cutting and stop it sliding around with tape? When you clamp something, even gingerly, in a bench vice get as central in the jaws as possible. Apart from that instructions very useful for a hydraulic novice like me.

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

Nice video, after cutting the hose do you ever have to worry about cut particles inside the hose at all?

[@AndyMechanic]

Interesting point, thank you. It hasn't been an issue yet but blowing the pipe through should clear any out. Cheers Andy

[@thinkingimpaired5663]

@@AndyMechanic I did like the idea of not crushing the hose with diagonal cutter. Great video.

[@allanreeling1067]

The 11mm is actually 7/16" AF. Probably made in the US. A good close up of the tool would be useful to help me turn one on my lathe

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, I think you are correct, the kit could well have been made in the US. The hand tool just has a short nipple that inserts into the Teflon pipe and a tapered outer that then runs down the outside of the Teflon to flare out the branded cover. Suppliers of the unions/pipe should also list the Tool as it really helps when making up these lines. You'll probably find it on the suppliers Web site. Hope this helps Andy

[@mrmaker9355]

The tool from goodridge is £12. Maybe $10 They come in different sizes for different size hose.

[@vr6caddy843]

No links to that tool you used to splay the braiding. Can't seem to find one anywhere

[@aclegg10]

I can't find one either!

[@Thomas998822]

Side cutters squashing the pipe is no big deal, its a flexible rubber tube.

[@rogercoalter6262]

Good video.. just a thought.. once the pipe has been cut would another wrap of tape half over the end assist in feeding the pipe through the union as it would pull the strands in and create a tapered leading edge??

[@AndyMechanic]

yes, Definitely :-)

[@MikeDQB]

If you put the nut on before you cut it - you don't have to work it over the part you just cut ;).

[@cliffjamerson3107]

Not mad at you Andy

[@TasekHobby]

thank you... subscribed.

[@skipodap1]

Can you post some links to the equipment and supplies in the video? Btw, this video is great and it’s obvious you’ve got tons of experience

[@matthewchai7235]

Am doing brake lines for a FSAE vehicle, and would like to know what the tool you keep referring to is? Perhaps a link to the specific tool? It's the tool that separates the braid from the tubing

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, I don't have a link unfortunately as its an old tool but it is readily available from the suppliers of these kits. Send them a link to the video or a screenshot of the Tool from the video. Hope this is of help Cheers Andy

[@tecnoaddicted]

hi andy greetings from italy. nice video indeed. two questions : first , should you screw in the assembly until all threads are " disappeared"? second question : when i am going to tighten secon end of a line i cannot find a way to avoid havin the pipe twisting while screwing. in this way i loose the right position on the brake lines of fittings. how can i solve it? thannk alberto

[@betacam235]

I agree...was about to ask the same question. I've just wasted a day trying to get the two short lines back onto the master cylinder on the prototype Grinnall Scorpion 3, it seems to be quite impossible, as the final torquing always moves the hose. It would be far easier if there were reverse threaded unions, so torquing the other end of the line would remove any twist stress in the hose.

[@johncoscia5258]

Standard size hose fits all motorcycles ? 8mm yours is like mine with 11mm locking nut ? Problems with my olive as it won't fit over the tube 9mm or so which leads me to ask ,, how many sizes exist nobody knows ? Drilled out the olive but not confident being 2 wheels .Lol

[@MattBlackY1986]

The nut will be 7/16 on a -3 AN fitting. All the sizes are imperial.

[@AndyMechanic]

Thanks Matt. Appreciate the info. Cheers Andy

[@scrosby1000]

Where do you buy the connectors? I can't find them anywhere...

[@redmanmr2]

Can't find any of these kit types online

[@markmainse3387]

Maybe put the nuts on prior to putting the tape on if the hose has a clean end, seems easier to me

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, I'd definitely agree... Cheers Andy

[@ryan-si6fb]

11:25 well if your a bit of a tight ass you can still.... hahahahaha i love your attitude man :)

[@dantae666]

Struggling to find a kit like that

[@sacha2711]

www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=PTFEHOSE

[@NoMurrcyProducedit]

Cant find banjos kit

[@LarryReynolds591]

Where can i buy lines and fittings?

[@joef.3094]

i watched this whole thing eagerly awaiting some good bimbo action ... thanks fer nuthin' ! is this braided steel hose designed specifically for brake fluid ? i ask because i have a good assortment of braided steel hose in my hoard that must have come off of dishwashers. like a good tightwad/hoarder i would love to be able to use it in this application but i also like staying alive and dont want to use it if it's going to disintegrate from the brake fluid.

[@AndyMechanic]

Hey, sorry no Tool Girls in this video..... The lining is Teflon I believe & that is good for Dot3 & DOT4 brake fluid. If your dishwasher hose is Teflon lined & rated for up to 2000psi then it should work but don't quote me! Cheers Andy

[@mattpolitzer2920]

Who makes the blue handled tool? Great video. I got a lot of tubing and will tackle this on my next re-pipe of some motorcycle brakes. Thank you.

[@AndyMechanic]

I'm not sure, had it for years. Suspect most tubing kit suppliers should be able to supply the Tool also? Cheers Andy

[@sacha2711]

fyi i think the tool is 'Earls Plumbing 007ERL Braid Spreader' t.ly/ctiH t.ly/tQgW

[@bethalpha]

work on clutch?

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes

[@robertbuehler4619]

Are the fitting reusable. I have some older lines that I made up for a project that are no longer in use. I was thinking I could reuse the fittings if they are not one time use like the crimp type

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, the fittings can be reused but you'll need to fit a new olive just to be on the safe side as these can deform. Cheers Andy

[@TheCriticalChris]

Do you have a link or a name of the manufacturer of that blue hose assembly tool?

[@AndyMechanic]

Sorry no

[@Plumbermark]

No locktite ?

[@AndyMechanic]

No, no mention of it in the original instructions but wouldn't hurt. Cheers Andy

[@qwerrrz202]

Andy I've got a question regarding stainless hoses. Say if I have to change a brake caliper on my car, and I want to prevent the brake fluid from pissing out. Now I got stainless hoses in and always think I could destroy them, If I use plastic line blocking clips on them. What do you think?

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, don't use hose clamps on the stainless hoses as it will damage them. Instead, use an old Tyre valve stem - they are rubber and usually fit extremely well into the banjo fitting to seal it....top tip :-) Cheers Andy

[@WhiteWhite60]

(Here, in the States) Was just about to google "Tyre valve stems" when it dawned on me I should read "Tire valve stems".

[@callofgeorge]

good shit mate. i cringed a bit when i watched the other video and he cut it with wire cutters.. only tip i could add, is apply a little oil to the hose and fitting during assembly. especially with stainless fittings.

[@jakeevans5773]

If you staked the nut, would it make it legal for road use in New Zealand? Would staking be safe or do these fittings need to be tightened after some use?

[@simonrawle7885]

yep we can still use them in the uk . but the new mot there is no advisory for a loud exhaust .it a major fail the worlds gone mad

[@AndyMechanic]

Here in NZ, the car is tested for exhaust noise during certification. Whatever that level is it cannot then exceed that noise level ever! If it ever gets applied to motorcycles it will become a very boring (and quite) World!

[@rustyneedles3743]

Heya Andy, nice content, hey a quick question, was is the tools name you use to splay the wire braiding ? I'm looking at purchasing everything I would require to do the job, thanks in advance.

[@25227168]

Did you ever find out

[@Turtlefarm]

I changed my slave cylinder. And can’t get proper pressure in the pedal because I can’t get a 100% seal on my banjo bolt.. used new crush washers. Cleansed the shit out of everything. Can’t seem to win..

[@AndyMechanic]

Very odd? Don't often get that problem. Just check it's not bottoming out on the threads - due to been a fraction too long? Cheers Andy

[@Turtlefarm]

@@AndyMechanic it’s the same bolt that was in before.

[@AndyMechanic]

Okay. But washer thickness may be a little less & does it thread into the new slave cylinder? If so, maybe the threads aren't cut as deep? Does it also go in perpendicular to the sealing surface? If it's off by a degree or two then that can cause a leak too. Hope this helps Cheers Andy

[@Turtlefarm]

@@AndyMechanic it’s not bottoming out.. it’s a matter of a seal with washers heated them up before install.. used a hammer tapped the bolt to help them crush down.. still leaks.. can’t build adequate pressure

[@AndyMechanic]

That's really odd? No damage to sealing surfaces on the banjo? Also check the banjo isn't cracked between the round bit & the steel tube part that goes to the flexi pipe. Other than that I have no idea!

[@robertinferno7862]

You are doing it wrong. You should put the nut on the hose befor you made the cut.

[@AndyMechanic]

Yep. Good call

[@MrWhothefoxthat]

i,ve got a tricky one for you, SO i have the Honda nc750s with abs on it, i won't to change my handle bars which means i have to replace the front brake hose making it longer, the problem is the brake hose runs from the reservoir to a junction box below the light, that hose has a crimped end to the junction box or block, whichever you chose, so without putting a joint in the middle of the pipe because insurance companies are getting very keen these days, how would i go about removing the fixing and replacing it, or would i need all the crimpers to do the job, by the way happy Christmas from glossop just over the road from you at the bottom of the snake pass.

[@mhkmhk3164]

i can guess the bore and piston movements with headlights

[@HASSANOIZE]

Thank you for the video, i did recently a compression fitting on my brake line that carry fluid from master cylinder to abs pump iwanna know is that safe or not ?

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi, some countries have band the compression type for highway use. Personally I haven't had a problem but clearly there must have been at some point for them to become banned in some countries? Cheers Andy

[@Salvatore3333]

Hi Andy, i have a hd sportster and my rear brake hose line is old so i want to replace it with a new one but my model a 96 has a point where there is a by-pass bit threaded where an electrical brake switch is fitted, i can send you the pics if you like and want to help me, please let me know...ps i am in UK, i already have the stainless steel braded pipe, the banjo bolt is 3/8

[@ed9226]

Good stuff Andy, thanks. What size fittings and what size hose are you using AN? Etc. What size marries with what to order online? Thanks

[@Tater4200]

where the hell can i buy this hose..i been lookin everywhere

[@nathanielselvidge4157]

Just swapped to ape hangers on my honda shadow VT1100. Needing to replace my brake line for a longer one. May i ask where i can find this kit?

[@AndyMechanic]

I got mine out of the UK - there's more info on the Tool Box Tour videos - Ep 5 I think?

[@nathanielselvidge4157]

@@AndyMechanic Oh ok. Thanks man

[@MrPatGuit]

Where can i buy those connectors?

[@aidenlodo2877]

I was wondering when to toolbox tour with sam is coming out

[@AndyMechanic]

TG Sam is back in filming next Saturday so I'll try fit that vid in for you :-)

[@aidenlodo2877]

Can you mention my name in the video and say hi to sam in the video for me. Would like to meet you if you ever come to Australia

[@AndyMechanic]

Yes, of course Aiden I'll mention you and get Sam to give you a shout out too :-) Sydney is pretty much the only place in Australia that I travel to and that's with work but I'll let you know when I'm coming over next. Cheers for now Andy

[@aidenlodo2877]

Thanks Andy i really enjoy all of your videos

[@pete6102]

it's a hose not a pipe

[@kashubelua]

So, how u get position right??...lmao. hey there, someone te tell a proper way to get this position right, and of course i mean without hazardous twists...thx

[@thomas316]

Uhhh...I've lived in New Zealand for over 15 years and had that style of braided lines on all my motorcycles. No ones told me nothing abou' it! 🤔

[@catabaticanabatic3800]

You seem unduly concerned about a microscopic pin prick from the braiding or deforming the (as stated)old hose, yet you quite happily use that grinder without the guard. Why even bother with safety glasses if you do that? The fatal injury will not be a spark in the eye, it'll probably be a severed artery if that disc lets go and hits you in the head. And,no, I am not a safety Nazi. Or lazy.And in 45 years of being a welder, I have never "had the guard get in the way".Keep the videos coming buddy.

[@p.santos6644]

It's just me or Andy looks like DIRESTA ???

[@AndyMechanic]

Funny!

[@joef.3094]

i just cut open 3 of these things and found 3 different linings, none of which i can be sure is teflon. that aside, i am also not sure that a dishwasher hose is rated for 2000psi. abandoning this little penny-pinching idea in the interest of personal safety.

[@AndyMechanic]

Good call :-)

[@darklard]

Or get a JIC-725 Coax cutting tool that is similar to a side cuter but made for cutting coax which is similar in braiding and inner core and intended to cut without squashing it. Much faster and cleaner than this method.

[@strider0106]

next time slide the nut over the hose before you cut it.............

[@AndyMechanic]

That would work on the first hose you make off the reel but after that you always have the same issue unfortunately :-(

[@WhiteWhite60]

Couldn't both nuts be placed on the hose before cutting the first end?

[@lronwall]

Andy Mechanic hi Andy. I want to buy this braided line and the fittings to make a line for my 1100 v star motorcycle front brake. Do you know where I can buy the products?

[@AndyMechanic]

Try 'Parts Unlimited' in the US - www.parts-unlimited.com It's a long time since I purchased any but had no problem ordering the kit or top up unions. If you search on Google you'll find plenty of suppliers doing similar kits. Cheers Andy

[@lronwall]

Andy Mechanic thank you Andy

[@Ed-G]

Thanks for the video! I have been running a very bent front brake line and it will be fixed soon. Is there a difference in the hose for DOT 3 vs DOT 5? Also, I took a quick look online for the parts and could not find them. Any suggestions on a Google search or some company's to look at?

[@blackonblack...9244]

None. The only difference is the boiling point of the brake fluid and the corrosive properties between DOT 3 and DOT 5. Brake fluid will still perform hydraulically in filling the hose to perform mechanical work. So if he used a little bit of a larger hose, he would probably just need more fluid. But the boiling rate would be higher therefore less brake fade.

[@blackonblack...9244]

Also Summit Racing sells the parts.

[@AndyMechanic]

Dot 5 is a silicone based brake fluid, I think you meant to say Dot 5.1 - agreed, the higher the Dot rating the higher the boiling point of the fluid plus maybe other additives too... Cheers Andy

[@LogiForce86]

Using an angle grinder is wrong as well as the heat will be so high that it'll melt the hose inside as well as cause burrs. How about... I dunno... a pipe cutter? 🤦‍♂️ Also put the nut on before you do the cutting. I thought that was quite obvious. 🤦‍♂️

[@romapavlov4763]

It is called "Mandrel tool".Way too expensive for one off job.

[@Turtlefarm]

Shove a pencil inside the line before you cut it…

[@ghettochilds5834]

The tool can be purchased from here... www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201517545208

[@driversteve9345]

What is this a porn channel? LMFAO!

[@scottphillips1210]

Long winded.get to it.

[@Sean-id1pn]

Cringe

[@Boycacc]

Good choose to get all the girls 🤑

[@Boycacc]

I mean get in the video xd

[@RideFastEatAss]

Hey Andy, is there a website I can use to find all the parts and tools needed to make my own motorcycle brake lines?

[@AndyMechanic]

Hi Zane, The place I used doesn't seem to be there anymore? I'm sure if you just Google around you'll be able to find a kit. Sorry I can't help any further with this one at the moment Cheers Andy

[@sacha2711]

www.pegasusautoracing.com/group.asp?GroupID=PTFEHOSE