Ss brake lines

How to keep the Cessna 170 flying and airworthy.

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flaglor
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Joined: Sun May 16, 2021 3:12 am

Ss brake lines

Post by flaglor »

I am looking to replace the ratty aluminum lines that run down the gear legs with new stainless versions. Is there a supplier or will I have to fabricate my own?
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GAHorn
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by GAHorn »

I’m sure you can find someone to make them for you … or you might wish to make your own … because the problem of finding a “standard” replacement part is the lack of standard brake lines since these airplanes originally had a different brake system and not all conform to the same wheel-assy installation (front caliper? rear caliper?)
Then there’s the issue of flex-line length… and which fittings…. etc etc.
'53 B-model N146YS SN:25713
50th Anniversary of Flight Model. Winner-Best Original 170B, 100th Anniversary of Flight Convention.
An originality nut (mostly) for the right reasons. ;)
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ghostflyer
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by ghostflyer »

I would be very wary of changing the specification of the brake lines or any other lines be it be fuel or such. Stainless steel appears to be more robust but does not flex as easy as aluminium lines and cracks very easily . I have seen copper brake lines harden with age and vibration and crack . If my brakes lines looked a little ratty ,I would change them over with aluminium lines and they will last another 50 years of flying.
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edbooth
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by edbooth »

I put SS brake lines on my 53 about 35 years ago, have had no problems with them.
Ed Booth, 170-B and RV-7 Driver
counsellj
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by counsellj »

Go to your local "Race Shop" and procure a "owner produced" part. Several of us have been running them for year. They work great. Get some rubber Cessna gear leg fairings to run them down. https://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/ ... 20Products
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c170b53
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by c170b53 »

Ed, just for clarification, entire brake line SS or the flex line portion SS ? or everything Jon ?
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
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edbooth
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by edbooth »

c170b53 wrote:Ed, just for clarification, entire brake line SS or the flex line portion SS ? or everything Jon ?
The entire brake line from where it exits the fuselage to the cylinder housing.
Ed Booth, 170-B and RV-7 Driver
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c170b53
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by c170b53 »

awesome Ed
Jim McIntosh..
1953 C170B S/N 25656
02 K1200RS
flaglor
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by flaglor »

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Mcmaster.com. 89895k724. 1/4”x.035 ss, 3ft. $14.64. One for each side. Bends and flares nicely with the proper tools.
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wabuchanan
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by wabuchanan »

Stainless braided race lines.
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1950 170A N5776C SN:19730
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DaveF
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by DaveF »

flaglor,

Nice SS brake lines. Thanks for the link.

You might want to take a look at the corrosion pitting on that gear leg, though.
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flaglor
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by flaglor »

I am not sure what you are referring to. I removed the gear legs (180 legs) and took them and had them sandblasted completely. After which I inspected and saw no particular issues with anything about them. They were then primed with Epibond epoxy and topcoated with single state urethane. Compared to many I have seen in my 25+ years as an IA, these gear legs are in real good shape. I have rarely seen spring steel gear legs that are perfectly smooth. Surface irregularities are the norm, in my experience. The videos are good references.
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DaveF
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by DaveF »

Just wanted to make sure you’re aware of the issue, because not everyone here is an IA. But it sounds like you're on top of it.

Thanks again for the SS brake line reference.
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DaveF
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by DaveF »

flaglor wrote:Mcmaster.com. 89895k724. 1/4”x.035 ss, 3ft. $14.64. One for each side. Bends and flares nicely with the proper tools.
Ordered some today, thanks again.
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DaveF
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Re: Ss brake lines

Post by DaveF »

Ed, did you replace the flare fittings with steel?
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