[TR] SS fitting behavior?

[MMoore8425 at aol.com]

In a message dated 5/5/2008 6:48:08 P.M. Pacific Daylight Time,  
dorpaul at bellsouth.net writes:

I have  installed several lines of my new SS pre-bent brake lines, I did so
while  putting little plastic bags w/ rubber bands fastened over the  
pre-flared
ends so as to keep them clean.  I only have hooked up one  fitting as of yet.
This particular fitting was under the car  requiring me to reach it from a
difficult position.  Even though I  hadn't yet started 'sealing/seating' the 
SS
flares', I decided to go ahead  and officially tighten this one completely
because it would be hard to get  to a second time.  So I lubricated the 
fitting
with brake fluid and  commenced tightening it carefully.
I have been known to  overtighten things from time to time, but, everyone
said SS required  'tightening the jeepers' at the fittings to make it seat.  
At
what I  thought constituted 'the jeepers', the nut seemed to 'give way' the
last  quarter (or less)of a turn.  Of course any time that happens,  you
immediatly quit.
Now it's possible from my strained  position that:
1. the wrench slipped it's grip
2. some metal somewhere  was roughed up
3. some threads somewhere were stripped, or
maybe another  possibility is that this is the correct behavior of SS flares
when they  finally seat.  I hope that this is the case, could someone tell  
me?

Also, what will happen if a line 'galls'?  What should I do if  this occurs?  
I
have considered using another lubricant besides brake  fluid, a paste type
sealant but only on the flares at the brass 3-way or  5-way to prevent
'galling'.  If so, none will be allowed to contact  the brake fluid lines.

Thanks, Paul Dorsey  60  TR3





Paul,
On my cars when I install the brakelines, I don't tighten them terribly  
tight because of the possibility of damaging. Instead, I assume they'll all  leak, 
and I  put plastic under all those spots. When I ultimately install  fluid, 
even without pumping the pedal, I find leaks and can tighten them  further. I 
also immediately clean up any spilled brake fluid. If I have leakers,  I 
gradually tighten them more and more until they stop leaking. I always use  
hydraulic wrenches also-a must for what you're doing.
Best, Mike Moore   



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