M101a2 trailer brake lines

[sggoat]

I looked but couldn't find any threads on repiping an M101 trailer brake system. Mine has very rusted brake lines and I wanted to replace the system. Almost went with copper, but found out DOT doesn't like that-they want steel. Local auto parts store has the std steel brake lines with reverse ferrule fittings, but only in specific lengths. Has anyone redone their system? What parts did you use, and where did you get them? Thanks for any help,
Gary

 

[titanpat57]

I would register and check out Steel Soldiers... I'm sure they're actually available the right size...if not I'm sure someone has done one.

 

[scrapdaddy]

That is the best advice, they have a good trailer forum. Somebody is always parting one out.

 

[scrapdaddy]

I just remembered, you can get all the brake parts, shoes, seals, etc. from Etrailer.com. I have part numbers, if you need them

 

[sggoat]

I haven't broken into the system as yet. Does e-trailer list military trailer fittings? I don't know yet if they are the std fittings used for most trailers. Didn't want to dismantle until I knew if the parts were available. The trailer was mfg by Kasel in 1989-I would guess the parts are current design?
Thanks for the info-I've got to regist with Steel Soldiers-seems they are a good forum for these trailers.
Gary

 

[ntsqd]

Rare that you'll need more than 60" in one run, but if you do real parts stores sell brake tubing (AKA "Bundy Tube") in coils that are, *I think*, either 10 or 25 feet long.
Inverted Flare tube nuts come in both metric and SAE. Steel Soldiers will know which your trailer has.

Also, if you want to do a clean & professional job you'll need a single size, traveling follower type of tube bender. Those 3 in 1 tube benders are junk as they produce too large of a radius to do nice work in this tube size. Something that looks like this:

 

[sggoat]

Thanks to all who have offered advice-very good.
NTSQD: As for the tube bender, I have a small one, but it seems to only fit 1/8" tube. Do you know the best place I could get the proper one(3/16")reasonably?

 

[scrapdaddy]

The fittings should all be SAE, they are not special Military stuff.

 

[ntsqd]

Thanks to all who have offered advice-very good.
NTSQD: As for the tube bender, I have a small one, but it seems to only fit 1/8" tube. Do you know the best place I could get the proper one(3/16")reasonably?

I stole that picture from McMaster.com I doubt that they are least expensive source, might also look at US Tool and Aircraft Spruce to name two other possibles.

 

[sggoat]

Never heard of US tool or Aircraft Spruce. Thank you for the info

 

[sggoat]

Hey, found a small tube bender at Harbor Freight(not my first choice, but I only need one for 20 or so bends)Turns out this little thing worked fine-only $10. had 1/8", 3/16", and 1/4" capacity. Trailer is all tubed up now and system bled. Based on the condition of the inside of the master cylinder, I may have to dissmantle/clean the wheel cylinders too.(lots of gunk came out during bleeding). Forgot to take pics of the repipe today, but will get some tomorrow.