Soft brake line question

[TJosh02]

So I've ordered two front driver side soft brake line replacements. (Dorman brand, but OEM looking style and just a bit longer ~1" that what it is replacing). The Passenger side fit the bolt to the caliper but the driver side stock bolt doesn't fit the hole. I sent it back and got a replacement, same thing. I tested both front bolts and in both old lines and they fit, but not in this one. Are you suppose to be able to drill them out, or is this just Dorman quality?

 

[Gilaguy23]

Dorman quality IMO, and I would NOT be drilling them out.

 

[macleanflood]

I put expensive Crown flexible brake lines on my 97. Fit perfectly, available in different lengths and colors. Just damn expensive.

-Mac

 

[TJosh02]

Then I managed to sheer off the ends of both hardlines at the rear drums, so I will be replacing some portion of the hard lines too. Seems to snowball, this project.

 

[mrblaine]

So I've ordered two front driver side soft brake line replacements. (Dorman brand, but OEM looking style and just a bit longer ~1" that what it is replacing). The Passenger side fit the bolt to the caliper but the driver side stock bolt doesn't fit the hole. I sent it back and got a replacement, same thing. I tested both front bolts and in both old lines and they fit, but not in this one. Are you suppose to be able to drill them out, or is this just Dorman quality?

I'd just drill them out. In our world, it is very common to switch between 3/8" and 10mm banjo bolts. We have to drill quite a few to get them to work with the 10mm when they were originally 3/8". You spent more time checking them than it takes to fix the problem.

 

[mrblaine]

I put expensive Crown flexible brake lines on my 97. Fit perfectly, available in different lengths and colors. Just damn expensive.

-Mac

Crown Automotive or Crown Performance?

 

[mrblaine]

I would NOT be drilling them out.

Why?

 

[TJosh02]

The good news is that I am learning a lot and gaining confidence to do these things myself. The brake system is simpler than I would have imagined.

 

[macleanflood]

Crown Automotive or Crown Performance?

Performance.

https://www.crownperformance.com/

I think you've mentioned you're not a fan.

-Mac

 

[mrblaine]

Performance.

https://www.crownperformance.com/

I think you've mentioned you're not a fan.

-Mac

No, I am a big fan of Crown Performance, they make very good stuff albeit not cheap. I am not a fan of Crown Automotive who tends to make most stuff cheap and not so good.

 

[Gilaguy23]

Why?

No offence to the OP, but your a brake/mechanical guru. Screwing with brakes if one is unsure might be bad. That is all.

 

[mrblaine]

No offence to the OP, but your a brake/mechanical guru. Screwing with brakes if one is unsure might be bad. That is all.

If you can't drill a hole out a few thou safely to fit a banjo through, you really shouldn't be touching your brakes.

 

[Gilaguy23]

If you can't drill a hole out a few thou safely to fit a banjo through, you really shouldn't be touching your brakes.

You got it. Again no offence to those who post some of the questions here, perhaps a competent mechanic is your friend. We all need to learn, but but some chit is better off to somebody who has been there, done that. I'll leave it at that. My personal preference on what sounds like a stock brake system repair is to return the Dorman chineesium junk and get one that fits like it should.

 

[TJosh02]

If you can't drill a hole out a few thou safely to fit a banjo through, you really shouldn't be touching your brakes.

P.S. I did a few times (multiple soft line thingies). That is the easy stuff.