Guest bradwig Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 Hello. Owner of a 1990 Reatta for a few years here. I honestly can't find any info on this topic so I'm hoping someone can help me out. The rear metal brake line that goes between the two back wheels on my Reatta has rusted out and is leaking. The problem is that I can't find a replacement for this piece anywhere I look. I can't be the only one this has happened to as I often hear these metal brake lines rusted out pretty fast on lots of GM stuff. How has anyone else dealt with this problem? Thanks for any and all help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89RedDarkGrey Posted June 24, 2017 Share Posted June 24, 2017 (edited) Depending on your location (not mentioned in your Signature line of Profile settings) most car part stores carry various lengths of pre flared and fitted line. There are no longer "premade parts" like that just for a 1990 Buick Reatta. Clip out the old, get the fittings off. By the line, tape up the ends to keep clean. Snake it over, or run it a more acceptable route, attach and bleed. Zip tie line securely. http://www.autozone.com/brakes-and-traction-control/brake-line?filters=50002 Please put your car year, any options, and your general location here: http://forums.aaca.org/settings/signature/ WELCOME TO THE FORUM Edited June 24, 2017 by 89RedDarkGrey (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bradwig Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 Thanks, will do. I'll let you know how it goes! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89RedDarkGrey Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 How to flush and bleed Reatta brakes Master Cylinder Reservoir filling instructions (TEVES systems) (Thanks to ROJ for info) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted June 25, 2017 Share Posted June 25, 2017 When you buy brake line, make sure you get bubble flair with GREEN fittings and not the pink. Look the same, but aren't. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bradwig Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 I've finally got the old rusty line loose and disattached. Any idea what diameter I'd be looking for when I start searching for the new one? Thanks again for the suggestions everyone. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DAVES89 Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 Take the old line, at least a part of it with the threaded end on it to the Auto Parts Store of your choice can match it up. Be sure to have an idea of how long the new piece you are buying should be as you will be buying after market brake lines with the ends already on. When you get to putting your new lines you bend to fit taking care not to kink it. You might want to have something round already "out" so you can use it to help make your bends/turns. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89RedDarkGrey Posted June 30, 2017 Share Posted June 30, 2017 https://www.harborfreight.com/tube-bending-pliers-95782.html These are great. Remember- bend the line around the tool- not with it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 Look also for a product called SURNR, or SUR&R. It is a special alloy that comes in a roll for brake line work in the common sizes. Looks kind of like copper or bronze tubing (but isn't as it is specifically intended and rated for brake system pressure). I've used it extensively and it not only will never rust (as it is not steel) but is hand bendable and much easier to flare. They also sell their own line of fittings, but these aren't required if you prefer to use normal fittings that are the correct size and flare type. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89RedDarkGrey Posted July 1, 2017 Share Posted July 1, 2017 Here where I am- we use NiCop brake line. Nickel-coated copper. https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/146-3410062-8341509?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=nicop+brake+line I like the $85 kit, includes fittings and armor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordrodsteven Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 12 hours ago, 89RedDarkGrey said: Here where I am- we use NiCop brake line. Nickel-coated copper. I know a lot of hot rodders use this. They say it is definitely much easier to work with this material. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDirk Posted July 2, 2017 Share Posted July 2, 2017 Much, much easier. I would never go back to steel lines after working with it. Especially as it will outlast steel line by an order of magnitude. Sure, it isn't cheap, but something worth doing is worth doing right. Since I plan on keeping my cars long term, anything I can do to reduce future maintenance needs and improve longevity is a good thing. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest bradwig Posted August 5, 2017 Share Posted August 5, 2017 Ended up just going with some standard line from Autozone and bending it with the tools suggested. I'll have to get some pictures later but it actually turned out great! Thanks for all the help and suggestions from everyone! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
89RedDarkGrey Posted August 6, 2017 Share Posted August 6, 2017 Spray a few coats of heavy black enamel on the whole line, even the fittings. Raw steel in Chicago is Rust Belt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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