BMW 3 series E46 brake pipes
Discussion
I have just become the proud owner of a 330i SE touring 2001, having worked on cars for many years and working for RR maintenance (aero engine devision) I decided to look at the rear brakes on the car, as they were a bit rusted up, probably from standing on the forcourt. On inspection I found nothing wrong with the brakes just lack of use, but I did notice that the solid brake pipe on the drivers side was badly corroded close to where it joins the flexable, and nearly as bad on the other side. I was a bit disapointed as I though it was all going to be shiny and newish, however I plan to change them very soon. looking at the route it seems as if the passenger side pipe goes straught inside the car but the drivers side has a joint so I can put in a new piece for there. For the side that goes straught inside I was thinking of putting in a straught through joint and just replacing the pipe that runs under the car so that I do not have to disturb the interior. Does anyone know if this is exceptable it sould not be to difficult as I have a flarring tool that can be used on the car?
Hi Rob
Straight connectors are perfectly acceptable as long as the ends are flanged correctly. It is also important that the pipes are clipped securely as the extra weight of the straight connector may pull on the pipe over time.
Straight connectors are frequently used by good manufacturers under specific circumstances. For example, where a pipe disappears into a void and would be very difficult to replace under normal service conditions. The exposed pipe could then be replaced without the need to disturb the tricky one!
Normal bleeding procedures apply.
Straight connectors are perfectly acceptable as long as the ends are flanged correctly. It is also important that the pipes are clipped securely as the extra weight of the straight connector may pull on the pipe over time.
Straight connectors are frequently used by good manufacturers under specific circumstances. For example, where a pipe disappears into a void and would be very difficult to replace under normal service conditions. The exposed pipe could then be replaced without the need to disturb the tricky one!
Normal bleeding procedures apply.
Copper brake pipes have excellent corrosion resistance but are prone to vibration fatigue as the copper 'work hardens'. This can cause fractures, particularly at joints.
The pipe to use is 'cunifer', a 90/10 copper/nickel alloy. It has similar, if not better pressure performance to the original steel but is also corrosion resistant. Volvo have used it for many years and Porsche and Aston Martin are now using it as standard. It is generally as easy to form and bend as copper. It is readily available from motor factors.
The pipe to use is 'cunifer', a 90/10 copper/nickel alloy. It has similar, if not better pressure performance to the original steel but is also corrosion resistant. Volvo have used it for many years and Porsche and Aston Martin are now using it as standard. It is generally as easy to form and bend as copper. It is readily available from motor factors.
Edited by talkwrench on Thursday 22 February 13:19
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