I have read thought the brake pipe repair posts, but I have two questions:

1. Does anyone know the diameter of the brake pipe?

2. Has anyone just used non OEM brake pipe since you have to bend it anyways? I have a double flare tool already.

Thanks for any help you can provide!


Also, just FYI, the MINI dealer quoted me $988.00 plus tax to replace them.

 

Don't know the diameter, but IIRC you need a bubble flare, not a double flare. You probably already saw this thread, which sums up my experience (I ordered lines cut-to-length and pre-flared, and just had to bend them): https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...elacement.html

 

Thx, bdybya!

I think I will order the OEM lines from Pelican.

How much of a pain in the xxx was it to install the lines?

Did you drop the exhaust?

 

The driver's-side line was pretty easy; passenger side was harder. There's a lot of info in the thread I cited above, including what I moved out of the way (dropped the exhaust behind the cat, also disconnected the parking brake cable, the fuel line, and a couple of vacuum lines). About the only thing I would add to what's in the thread is that instead of a flare-nut wrench, I ordered a set of six-point crowfeet ( ) which have come in real handy on a lot of different jobs.

 

https://www.partsgeek.com/catalog/20...ster_line.html

 

That's the booster line (located under the hood, runs over the top of the brake fluid reservoir) not the hard brake pipes (PNs 34326766274 and 34306779195).

 

bdubya,
What are your thoughts of after bending the new lines to plastic dip the lines before install to protect them?

 

Never thought about it, honestly, but an interesting idea, especially if (like me) you live where the roads get salted in winter. Might make more sense to paint the plasti-dip on after the lines are in place, because there will probably be a lot of fine-tuning of the bends and you wouldn't want to breach the plastic coat.

 

I like the idea of painting it on after install!! Thx! I got the idea from our 2014 Toyota Highlander which has brake lines incased in plastic.

I wonder if with time that plastic coat would flake off? That might create more problems??? The original lines lasted 15 years, I might just put a light coat of grease on them after install and call it a day and hope for another 15 years.

Yes, Wisconsin. They love to salt roads here!

 

Good point - if the plastic gets damaged and salty road water gets inside, then the plastic is holding it in place against your line and keeping it from drying, which sounds worse than just having it exposed. My lines lasted about 120k/13 years (all Illinois and Michigan winters, so very salty). I'd guess that's good enough.

 

There is softer brake line availabel online. The steel tubing from mini is impossible to bend without the proper tools.

 

Read on another brake line replacement thread that some people put a generous coat of never seize on brake lines to protect them. The problem I see with plasti-dip might be if it got compromised moisture would be trapped and not able to evaporate.

 

There was a thread on this recently, really comprehensive. Subject “$500 discount mini” or something like that. Can’t remember now maybe it was “$400...”

 

There is a small flare tool that can almost fit into small spaces. I'll have to post that later.
I had to do my brake lines from ABS to the rear wheels and it was a pain in the ***. It's easy with the body upside down in a machine, but impossible on your back.