Brakes - Flare Wrench Sizes checklist...

[Ricky Bobby]

Guys - getting ready to tackle my brakes and always looking to get the proper tools, I just don't like to buy more than I need - I do not own any flare wrenches but need to pick up a set for sure - for doing the brake hoses what sizes do I need? Especially for the nut on the hard line on the chassis as that is the one that is most needing a flare to avoid rounding it -

I can get individual wrenches off Ebay and wondering if I can get the job done with just 2 wrenches (say a 9/11mm and 12/14mm combo), otherwise I'll get the 6 piece SAE/Metric combo from Home Depot which has a 9 x 11mm, 10 x 12mm, 13 x 14mm, just confirming I can get the job done with those -

[bcredliner]

Don't remember for sure, but it seems like I use more than one size. How much more to buy all three? Can never have too many tools. Certainly justifiable based on labor saving of DIY.

[andrewwynn]

11mm is what I looked up. I have a 6 size combo kit I can confirm but if you get the same kit you'll be glad you did. I have both sets I bought at Menard's (Midwest clone of HD). Use a master cylinder pressure bottle to push in new fluid. Do you have a method to flush the abs? I've heard people will lift the truck and turn an individual wheel by hand while in neutral to trick the truck into thinking it's skidding.


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[X5only]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

11mm is what I looked up. I have a 6 size combo kit I can confirm but if you get the same kit you'll be glad you did. I have both sets I bought at Menard's (Midwest clone of HD). Use a master cylinder pressure bottle to push in new fluid. Do you have a method to flush the abs? I've heard people will lift the truck and turn an individual wheel by hand while in neutral to trick the truck into thinking it's skidding.


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Wow, that's clever! Didn't think of that. You can do it with DIS as well- has an option for bleeding brakes.

[jsoto]

I hate to be the SO fanboy.....but for flares, I generally would recommend going this route. Next step down, maybe SK....

It's not worth rounding a fitting for the application at hand..

[andrewwynn]

I just realized if you are talking about bleed nipple you don't need a flare use a box end.


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[andrewwynn]

Originally Posted by jsoto;

I hate to be the SO fanboy.....but for flares, I generally would recommend going this route. Next step down, maybe SK....

It's not worth rounding a fitting for the application at hand..

What is "this route"?

[cn90]

- I don't know about the E53 X5 but it is probably similar to E39 5-series.
- I did the brake hydraulic overhaul for my E39 5-series and wrote a DIY below.

- You may need to use heat: wear goggles and make sure there is place for hydraulic fluid to expand if you decide to use heat.

DIY: 1998 BMW 528i Brake Hydraulic System Overhaul (6 Hoses, Caliper Seals/Boots) - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

[RFaber]

youll need an 11mm wrench (or 6 point socket to get it cracked loose) for the bleeder screw, and I can recall if its a 12, 13 or 14 mm for the brake line, (I picked up a set of line wrenches from 8mm-19mm and a bunch of 6point wrenches as well, they make certain that you're not gonna strip anything! , then I use a light tap in case there is any oxidation on the bolt/nut in question just to make sure it doesn't strip! nothing worse than trying to remove a round bolt!!! (suppose that's where SAE wrenches can come in handy! lol, ie a 1/2" wrench on a rounded 13mm bolt etc.then replace the bolt, don't even try putting the rounded one back on!

[jsoto]

Originally Posted by andrewwynn

What is "this route"?

route meaning the intent of purchasing a flare wrench/flare wrench set, the SO (snapon) IMO is a far superior tool for the application at hand. Cheaper option would be SK...

I'm not a wrench whore but for lines, a better quality wrench is the way to go.