C4 Metal Brake Lines

[glen3107]

A couple of weeks ago, I had a shop do a brake job on my 87 C4. After driving the car over the weekend, I notice fluid on the garage floor under the car. I check the master cylinder and it was O.K.. I took the car out and after about 2 blocks, the brake petal went to the floor.
I took the car back to the repair shop to have it checked out and found that the metal brake line from the ABS to the driver's side front wheel had been bent and was broken at the wheel connection. (they contend that the line was struck by the suspension arm and was bent?)
We (the shop and I) tried to find a replacement line, but it seems that no one carries one.
I noticed that the line had some play and suggested to the shop that they cut the line, re-flare it and attach it again.
Well, they cut the line about 1/2" from the connector. They didn't have a tool to flare the line. They ordered a tool and attempted to flare the line. They tell me that the line is too substanial to flare and that the brake line keeps slipping out of the double flare tool.
I'm wondering if there is a way to flare the end of the line? My only other solution is to go the junk yard and canabalize another C4. Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[Magmotor]

Thought you might like to see the complete brake line assembly and what your up against removing the whole line from the ABS to the wheel. Nuber #11 is the junction of the ABS. #6 is standard 3/16" tubing which you can buy in bulk, (25') ...good luck with this..!!
A mechanic that does brakes doesn't have a flaring tool....hummmm...

 

[JonM]

You may have to go to the auto parts store and get a generic line and bend your own.

 

[glen3107]

To follow-up, the shop ordered another flare tool and it wouldn't hold the pipe either. While I was in the shop scoping out the work, I found that the brake lines go to the back of the car to the ABS unit.

I thought that my only alternative was to have a new line made or go visit my friend at the junk (reprocessed car parts) yard.

I made one last trip to Robbins Chevrolet's parts department to see if there was any way to buy the line.

Of course, they told me that it was discontinued and I would have to have one made from 3/16" steel tube. I explained what was happening at the repair shop with the flaring tool.

They razed me for not using their shop and told me that they knew a guy that would make a new line for $50-$100.

They suggested that before I had the line made that I visit CarQuest Auto Parts and try the flaring tool that they sell. They even called to make sure the Parts Store had the tool.

I bought the tool ($24 including tax) and took it to the repair shop. Guess what it worked like a charm. The difference was this tool tightened by using a small socket wrench. The tools they were using clamped to the pipe using wing nuts.

Well my Dad always said to use the right tool for the job. I learned a lesson with from this, that the more expensive tool is not always the right one.

By the way the repair shop owner offered to buy my flaring tool.

I have to say that my Chevy Dealer came through again, especially when they didn't have to help me with a problem at another repair facility.