i have recently pulled my rear sub frame out and am looking at replacing all of the brake and fuel lines in my mini as they are blocked and quite crap.

Is there any problems with running both the fuel and brake lines inside the car? both lines of the solid tube variety so that if someone did step on them they wouldn't block them

Can all of the brake lines be made out of braided lines?

You really don't want to do that.

Flexible brake lines do just that when you step on the brakes -- they flex. You will get a spongy, scary brake pedal (if you get one at all).

Not to mention the very questionable legality...

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Simon

The adventures of an owner builder in the Tallarook Ranges

I think (not absolutely sure) that internal fuel lines may be a no-no unless fitted from factory or engineered.

Brake lines can be braided legally if they are purchased with an ADR compliance. These are for sale from the usual mini suppliers or specialist brake shops. You can save a fair whack and get non-complianced UK brake lines, but take your chances with insurance validity and road worthiness/legality issues when doing this.

If you mean braided all the way through the car, then this can be done, but if there is any improvement, I doubt it...

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

Fuel lines must have a full steel covering for the entire length that they run inside the car. Brake lines are fine. Both must still be secured at 300mm centres (National Code of Practice - but you can get away with 350mm spacings in Vic. but then your car can't be registered in other states).

Stick with zinc plated steel brake lines + braided hose only where required for flexibility.

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Brake lines can be braided legally if they are purchased with an ADR compliance. These are for sale from the usual mini suppliers or specialist brake shops. You can save a fair whack and get non-complianced UK brake lines, but take your chances with insurance validity and road worthiness/legality issues when doing this..[/quote]

The ADRs specify a bunch of tests necesary to prove an item as compliant with the ADR as well as specifying the BS, MILSPEC and other standards that also qualify the item to be ADR compliant.

The UK hoses I bought (from Goodridge) are labelled as approved under BS (British Standard) #$@^&& (can't remember the numbers) and hence are ADR compliant.

However, while the States (who control vehicle registration) may not approve non ADR compliant items they don't have ro (and sometimes don't) approve ADR compliant items......

Cheers, Ian

The trouble is that although braided lines to equivalent standars (BS, etc) are allowed, they must still have the manufacturers stamp with date of manufacture & serial number on the hose.

I have Goodridge lines for my Swift Gti & although made to BS still do not meet Australian requirements. Still going to fit them though

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Too many cars, and too little time.

Ah ok.

With the UK hoses however, do they have the standard printed on them? I ran with a set, but noticed they only had the Goodrich sticker at the time. You kinda hope that the brake inspector doesn't look.

Do Oz certified rubber hoses have the standard printed on them then in real life?

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

There are oz certified ones? Last few sets i have gotton could be made in outer mongolia for all the markings on them.... (none that is?)

Certified, probably not.

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68 Deluxe.... it's shiny..... I like shiny!!

There is a bright yellow band on Oz certified ones - and the band is supposed to remain on to proove complience

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David L


My greatest fear in life is that when I die my wife will sell my Mini and tools for the price I told her I paid for them!

thanks for the help guys was all very helpful. i know that the copper tubing is illegal to have for brake lines now, but can you use the zinc plated copper?

No. You can get copper coated bundy tube though - supposed to stop it from rusting but it's crap. Go the zinc plated stuff.

There is also a stainless brake tubing (as used in Volvos & other countries where they salt the roads) but not sure of anyone in Oz who stocks it.

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Too many cars, and too little time.