Hi all,

I have been trying to rebuild my brake system for the last two weeks and my latest set back was that the original brake pipe sheared whilst trying to get the union out of the N/S rear wheel cylinder. I have now bought a Sealey AK506 brake pipe cutting and flaring kit like so:

I have a load of new brake pipe so practiced a few times. I am not having much luck. I am trying to produce the middle end in the pic below.

This is I believe this as shown on the Sealey instructions:

I cannot seem to get close. When I use the kit I just totally mash the end of the pipe and it resembles nothing like the pics above. I have looked on line and I seem to be doing it right. The only thing I haven't tried yet is to use a smear of brake fluid on the end as a lubricant. This is advised on some websites but not on others or in the instructions. I can't see it making a massive difference but worth a try. Has anyone fabricated a rear pipe using the same kit as me. If so did it work? What am I doing wrong. Maybe the kit is just sh**e, I don't know?

Any advice would be greatly welcomed

Cheers

Sam.

I've never used that exact kit but the 1 we use at work flares the pipe the same way you are wanting. as for the brake fluid on the pipe/tool for lubrication, never done that b4. is there different ends in your kit to get different shaped ends? if there is make sure you using the right end, and if poss experiment on some new pipe. dunno what else to suggest without seeing the kit properly, hope you get it sorted dude!

Brake fluid on the pipe seemed a bit bizarre to me too! There is only one end type. They are the black bits in the kit and just have various sizes for different pipes. Mine is the smallest (3/16). It is the reverse of what I want so should form what I want! My younger cleverer brother suggested applying a little heat and then form it so might give that a try. The pipe on the car in totally stuffed so I am not trying to repair that. I am working with new pipe off of the car so should work. Just not going my way at the mo! Done 110k service, various bulbs, discs, pads, drums, shoes, full shoe retaining/spring set, 2 wheel cylinders & now a section of brake pipe. Desperately need to get my car back in use as I've been without her for 3 weeks already. MOT due beginning of September so want to get it in for a pre test incase I need to do owt else to her to! Should fingers crossed pass.

Looks like my brake pipe end is an oddball so has to be produced with a fancier bit of kit which costs considerably more than the first. Original sealey one cost about £25. This one is £100+!!!

Has anyone used one of these. Is it really worth having? Tried to see if VW made pre fabricated pipes with connectors etc but sadly due to health and safety they don't. It is now up to an individual to fabricate their own using pipe, flaring tool etc. Don't see how thats safer!

they just cant be arsed that sll all classic car maunfacturers still produce pipes as do 99% of big mini companies so ifg its health and safety then all these need reporting... what aload of crap and with the flaring kit yer I've got one but you can buy individual flaring ends at the homebase near ours maybe give taht a go?

Looks like my brake pipe end is an oddball so has to be produced with a fancier bit of kit which costs considerably more than the first. Original sealey one cost about £25. This one is £100+!!!

Has anyone used one of these. Is it really worth having? Tried to see if VW made pre fabricated pipes with connectors etc but sadly due to health and safety they don't. It is now up to an individual to fabricate their own using pipe, flaring tool etc. Don't see how thats safer!

We have this set at work. I have never flared brake pipes before and manged to get all 4 end perfect first time.

with things like these you really do get what you pay for

thats very simular to the 1 i have at work 2!!!

you shouldn't have a prob with this kit!

Thats defo the kit you need,very easy to use and the flares come out uniform each time which is very important or they will leak in the future.

There is nothing "oddball" about that flare in the middle of the pic, you must be doing something wrong. Make sure you have the right amount of pipe protruding before you begin the flare and take your time. I've got a cheap ass Sealey kit and managed to do all the pipes my G no problem.

yeah the first brake pipe things are pretty easy to use. the former that goes over the end to produce the flare normally has a step on the outside. this is to indicate how far the pipe needs to stick out from the clamp, to produce the correct shape

I can get it to flare produce a decent flare just not the one I need (convex). To achieve the 90 degree flange on the back is impossible with the cheap sealey kit I have. It only produces a tapered backed one. I have cut a couple of lengths so I can get a mate to form the ends tomorrow at work. Gonna be lazy and get someone else to do it for me. That way I don't have to pay another ton for a better tool (sure they're worth the money but for one use its a bit expensive). Can just get the pipe plumbed in tomorrow and hopefully job sorted! Back on the road to 200k!