Brake Line Repair

[SSEiGirl92]

I'll be tackling this job myself this weekend. I'm kinda nervous about it, but have been trying to fix things myself as of late. Now...I have a 92 Bonneville SSEi. Has anyone else attempted to replace a section of steel brake line?? If so, can you give me some steps, pointers, helpful hints??? I also need the diameter of the brake line if anyone knows that. Thanks in advance.
Oh, is it possible to purchase pre-flared lines?

[maxwedge]

Pre flared lines are available in various lengths to 60 " the lines are usually 3/16 but check them, rear?If you must cut the lines to change the lengths you will need a double flaring tool and know how to use it. If you are going to the wheel cylinder make sure you can loosen the bleeders first, and make sure the lines come out of the w/c. Flare nut or line wrenchs will be needed, the system will need to bled, try not to loose all fluid up to the abs unit that can be problematic, this may not be a "dyer" type repair.

[randman1]

Great info above.

I can only add that when I did the brake lines in my 90, I found that the ends were bubble flares rather than double flares. Bubble flares are primarily found on imports so the guys at the parts stores were scratching their heads a bit.

This is the difference between the two ends:


The double flare is on the left and the bubble flare is on the right. The two are not interchangable so make sure that you buy the right ones

[SSEiGirl92]

Thanks for the replies! The broken line is located under the driver side...just behind the driver front door near the edge of the car. The hole is at a bend, so I know I'll need a spring bender. Bending and cutting doesn't worry me so much. It's the flare tool. I'll buy enough line so I can practice. Flare unions are used to join the ends, correct?
I've been reading websites that give you step by step instructions on double flaring. Now...when buying a piece of line from a store, with one end already flared....is that one a double flare?
May sound silly, so excuse me....how do you bleed the brake lines?
Thanks again!!