14 replies to this topic

[robbie-woods]

okay so was driving the mini today when the next thing i had no brakes managed to stop fine and safely but now need to enjoy trying to replace one of the copper brake pipes now the one i need to get to it under the servo whats the best was to get to it? will i need to take the servo off and how can i take it off? many thanks

[bmcecosse]

The reason it has 'split' is because it was made of copper! You should never use copper for brake pipes - it work hardens and ermmmm splits!! Use Kunifer - or good old bundy pipe. How you get to it will depend on the nimbleness of your fingers - it will have m10x1 fittings.

[robbie-woods]

copper is what it is originally made of is it not? the one from the servo to the union? before the rubber flexi hoses to the calipers

[bmcecosse]

Originals are bundy pipe. http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Bundy_tube

Edited by bmcecosse, 16 December 2011 - 08:01 PM.

[robbie-woods]

okay well im not sure what they are made of then but thought on mini spares it said it was copper, but is it going to be easier to take the servo off?

[robbie-woods]

Originals are bundy pipe. http://en.wikipedia....wiki/Bundy_tube

thanks for the link

[bmcecosse]

And 'copper' is not mentioned - so don't use copper!!

[robbie-woods]

And 'copper' is not mentioned - so don't use copper!!

hehe okey dokey thank you

[tiger99]

It should be a criminal offence to sell copper pipe for brake systems. Sadly, it has been used by many people and there are lots of potentially lethal cars on the road, and sets of copper brake pipes are still on sale.

As stated above, Kunifer (copper-nickel) is the right stuff. You can tell the difference between that and copper, because it is not quite so red in colour. But it is not as tolerant of fatigue as steel (bundy), so must be well clipped down.

With a rubber mounted subframe, personally I would prefer bundy in the runs from the master cylinder to the front subframe to avoid fatigue problems due to subframe movement. Or, a short flexible hose could be fitted. Same at the rear subframe, although there is usually a large loop at the pressure limiter, which should accomodate some minor movement without problems.

Everywhere else on a Mini, the pipes should not be flexing, and Kunifer will last longer than the rest of the car. Bundy is only good for a few years.

One thing to avoid is the plastic coated bundy pipe used on some vehicles. I had it on my old Talbot Express van. Quite predictably, minor damage causes pinholes in the coating, corrosion sets in and a pinhole develops in the pipe.

[bmcecosse]

Just solid mount the front subframe !

[mini-luke]

http://www.minispare...id=35822&title=

[tiger99]

bmcecosse,

I totally agree, but not everyone will want to do it, mostly because of the extra noise. But it does not cost a lot and seems to improve the handling almost as much as spending serious money on fancy suspension bits.

[robbie-woods]

http://www.minispare...id=35822&title=

i did read it right then!!

[tiger99]

mini-luke,

Just because it is sold by Minispares, it does not follow that it is safe or legal. I am very disappointed that they are selling copper brake pipes.

[nafnaforiginal12]

Yeah, at work we use copper-nickel (Kunifer) brake pipe when making pipes up.
Plain copper pipes corrode badly and split whereas the copper-nickel pipe doesnt (or at least not for a very long time in which case it would be picked up on an MOT)

Edited by nafnaforiginal12, 16 December 2011 - 09:14 PM.