38 replies to this topic

[tiger99]

Well said!

[jameslearwood]

Belters cheers for that jimnali thought i done something wrong as usual

erm bmc cheers for that enlightment just had a quick google so Kunifer it is now this has opened a can of worms;

Will i have to replace the full brake line throughout. (i know its ideal and probably would just wondering)

does the connectors change?

why do minispares not sell it only the copper? (is it okay to get from fleabay or is there better stockists)

[jimnali]

James

Kunifer or cunifer is the tradename for an alloy which is less prone to corrosion than pure copper (and I think more malleable). The name comes from the chemical names of the three metals Cu(copper), Ni(Nickel) and Fer(Iron). Brake pipes in copper or cunifer are otherwise identical so the connecters etc are the same.

If you look carefully at the description on Minispares site, the brake pipes are made of "easy bend copper nickel" so these are probably the same or very similar material as cunifer. Minispares are a reputable supplier so I would be surprised if these are not quality items. If in doubt - give them a call. You may well find cunifer pipes on ebay but I would stick to a supplier with a good reputation.

If your existing brake pipes are in good condition then why change them? Check them over for signs of corrosion, damage or damaged connectors. If they are okay - leave then alone!

Remember the advice in the Hitchhikers Guide - "Don't Panic"

Edited by jimnali, 29 May 2012 - 07:04 PM.

[jameslearwood]

Cheers for that obviously didnt read the description properly, i will ask them when i place my next order. I was just changing the front end has they were grinded/bashed off will inspect the rear pipes later on the project pretty sure they are okay.

thanks for your help it is much appreciated just wish it was my full time job

[bmcecosse]

As above - it is YOU who described them as 'copper' - but indeed check with the supplier. I doubt Mspares would supply 'copper'...

[tiger99]

Minispares do apparently supply copper, but they supply several other unsatisfactory things too, like rear camber brackets which fracture.

The reason why cunifer should be used is nothing to do with corrosion (although it is slighly better than pure copper), it is entirely to do with metal fatigue. It will withstand thousands of times more pressure cycles, i.e. brake applications, than copper. It is also not seriously weakened by the flaring and bending processes, unlike copper.

[jameslearwood]

Yeah I didn't read the description properly and didnt realise there was different types of brake pipe, cheers for the input i will make sure I get the cunifer pipes

[jameslearwood]

get out of town!!
work was on hold for a while as life got in the way got the cv joints off the driveshaft now after some tender copper persuasion. Now i can get the subby cleaned up and touched up.

two concerns at the end of the driveshaft there is a circlip which ill replace but what also looks like a seal is this correct or is it just dgs forming at the joint edge? hard to tell.

also the new boots i got from minispares, are unipart brand but they come with the plastic cable ties they look heavy duty compared to standard shop ones but are they up to scratch?

thank you for your help

[jimnali]

James
I did not think that there was a seal at the end of the drive shaft but I checked Somerford Mini's website to confirm (always useful for illustrations of parts). It looks like you are correct - see part no 17 on this page http://www.somerford...page=page&id=49.

It is quite common for rubber boots to be provided with nylon ties. They are plenty strong so should be fine for this.

Keep up the good work!