Most trailer installation pics and videos I've seen show flex hydraulic brake lines run from the frame rail to the caliper assembly, mere inches from the side of the tire. On my truck I noticed steel hydraulic brake lines are routed to the middle of the truck (from the frame rail), just above the differential. A flex hydraulic line runs from the steel hydraulic brake line just above the differential to a splitter mounted to the differential itself. The splitter then feeds two steel hydaulic lines which are mounted on (and protected by) the backside of the axle and routed to each caliper assembly.In terms of protecting the brake line from tire fragments in the event of tire failure, it would seem the method used on my truck would offer much better protection.Thoughts?

Your absolutely correct. I think the only reason they used all flex lines was to make universal install easier.

ScottG wrote:Your absolutely correct. I think the only reason they used all flex lines was to make universal install easier.Thanks.I assumed flex lines were used just for the short run from the splitter on the frame rail to the caliper assembly. Are you saying some use flex lines for the entire installation? I would assume that would make the brakes a bit spongy.

I agree, that is why I routed my lines differently. Rather than on the face of the frame and right next to the tires, I ran them along the inner edge of the frame. Part of the way it is tucked next to the propane line including the crossover. I also used exact length lines rather than universal lines with exposed excess coiled lines.

Dayle1 wrote:I agree, that is why I routed my lines differently. Rather than on the face of the frame and right next to the tires, I ran them along the inner edge of the frame. Part of the way it is tucked next to the propane line including the crossover. I also used exact length lines rather than universal lines with exposed excess coiled lines.I'm hoping to cut and flare exact lengths for my install, too. Given some thought about using copper/nickel brake lines. Supposedly this stuff is much easier to work with than regular steel lines. It costs more, but for ease of use I might use it if there aren't any serious drawbacks in terms of strength and durability.

otrfun wrote:Dayle1 wrote:I agree, that is why I routed my lines differently. Rather than on the face of the frame and right next to the tires, I ran them along the inner edge of the frame. Part of the way it is tucked next to the propane line including the crossover. I also used exact length lines rather than universal lines with exposed excess coiled lines.I'm hoping to cut and flare exact lengths for my install, too. Given some thought about using copper/nickel brake lines. Supposedly this stuff is much easier to work with than regular steel lines. It costs more, but for ease of use I might use it if there aren't any serious drawbacks in terms of strength and durability. Don't know if that's legal or not. Never heard of it being used for brake lines. The steel lines are very easy to work with. Just get the right tools if you plan to cut and flare. They must have what is called a double flare. Not too hard if you get some practice.B.O.

Brake Line Placement for TT Disc Brakes | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

otrfun
Explorer II
Dec 07, 2016
Dayle1 wrote:
I agree, that is why I routed my lines differently. Rather than on the face of the frame and right next to the tires, I ran them along the inner edge of the frame. Part of the way it is tucked next to the propane line including the crossover. I also used exact length lines rather than universal lines with exposed excess coiled lines.
I'm hoping to cut and flare exact lengths for my install, too. Given some thought about using copper/nickel brake lines. Supposedly this stuff is much easier to work with than regular steel lines. It costs more, but for ease of use I might use it if there aren't any serious drawbacks in terms of strength and durability.
Dayle1
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2016
I agree, that is why I routed my lines differently. Rather than on the face of the frame and right next to the tires, I ran them along the inner edge of the frame. Part of the way it is tucked next to the propane line including the crossover. I also used exact length lines rather than universal lines with exposed excess coiled lines.
otrfun
Explorer II
Dec 06, 2016
ScottG wrote:
Your absolutely correct.
I think the only reason they used all flex lines was to make universal install easier.
Thanks.

I assumed flex lines were used just for the short run from the splitter on the frame rail to the caliper assembly. Are you saying some use flex lines for the entire installation? I would assume that would make the brakes a bit spongy.
ScottG
Nomad
Dec 06, 2016
Your absolutely correct.
I think the only reason they used all flex lines was to make universal install easier.

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Brake Line Placement for TT Disc Brakes

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