VI Cutty

How's that for a technical title?

I'm replacing the rear brakelines on my '71 Cutlass S and wondering about the coil like spring wrapped around half the length of the line from the centre distribution block out.

Does it serve a specific purpose? Should I transfer it to the new brake lines? Any ramifications if I don't use them on the new lines?

Thanks!

rustyroger

It could be to reinforce the pipes making them harder to crush or to prevent kinking when they are bent to shape.
I've never reused them, and never had a (cupro-nickel) brake pipe fail in 40 years.


Roger.

Nop

Protecting the line from rubbing and stabilizing it somewhat from fatigue from swinging.

oldcutlass

It also works to strengthen the line and protect against debris impact.

oldolds88

its called gravelguard,guess what it does. you can get it from, the right stuff detailing.

joe_padavano

DING, DING, DING. We have a winner. Yes, the spring is "armor" to protect the brake line from gravel kicked up from the road.

MDchanic

And you will also notice that brake lines running along the rear axle (where they are somewhat "exposed") run along the back of the axle, and not the front.
The intention, of course, is to protect them from kicked-up road debris, especially at highway speeds.

- Eric