Brake line flares

[Theblindguy]

On my 03 ranger 4X4 with four wheel ABS do the brake lines going from the ABS unit to the Master have bubble flares on both ends? I purchased pre-bent lines and ran into a couple problems with the lines going from the ABS unit to the master. The line going to the rear hole on the master had the wrong size fitting and when I went to the parts store they told me the line I brought to them has a double flare on it and the master uses a bubble flare. Now I am not doubting what the guy at Autozone told me but I have found out to verify anything they say especially when it comes to breaks. Also I am 100% blind so I cannot physically look and see that’s why I am asking here. also no need for questions asking me how I plan on driving this truck as I won’t be. I do have children with drivers licenses That will drive me around in it.

 

[sgtsandman]

In my experieince, all flares on brake lines are double flared. With some double flare tool kits, the ends look more bubbled than double flared but once seated and tightened down, they crimp down to a proper double flare instead of a keeping the bubbled look.

 

[Uncle Gump]

Last time I commented in a brake line flaring question it didn't end well.

I will say that a double and a bubble flare are completely different and are not interchangeable.

I'm not sure which configuration the OP has.

 

[sgtsandman]

Part of the reason I qualified my response with "from my experience". There is enough stuff out there that I haven't worked on to know I know all the answers.

 

[snoranger]

First off... you should always doubt what the salesperson at any parts store says, they’re usually minimum wage dummies.


Without a pic of the old and new lines, it would be hard for us to answer your question. At this point we’re relying on the guy from Autozone. (See above)

 

[adsm08]

The following is a series of GENERAL statements, and may not apply to every application.

GM is the only domestic manufacturer that uses bubble flares in in-line positions. Ford does not.

Ford does however use bubble flares at some master cylinders. The original unit for my 88 Bronco 2 has double flared ports at both positions of the master cylinder. The master from a 95 Explorer in my Ranger has one of each. The master cylinder I installed in a 97 Explorer a few years ago had two bubble flares. Same experience with a 97 E-350 I used to work on a lot.

Ford does however love to use bubble flares at the connections to the ABS module's hydraulic block. They also tend to use holes with different sizes and threads to help avoid crossing the lines, particularly mixing up the in and out lines. I have no issue believing that this is your problem, as most pre-made lines use a double flare.

You should be able to use line adapters to change the HCU connections over to accept standard pre-made lines. That's how I dealt with it on my Ranger.


As said, the double and bubble flare are very dissimilar. They are different enough that I can tell the difference just by feel, so I imagine that someone who is blind and probably used to making sensitive distinctions with their hands would also be able to make the distinction. I'm not blind, but I do a lot of feeling around for things I can't see because my hands fit but my head doesn't.

 

[Theblindguy]

The following is a series of GENERAL statements, and may not apply to every application.

GM is the only domestic manufacturer that uses bubble flares in in-line positions. Ford does not.

Ford does however use bubble flares at some master cylinders. The original unit for my 88 Bronco 2 has double flared ports at both positions of the master cylinder. The master from a 95 Explorer in my Ranger has one of each. The master cylinder I installed in a 97 Explorer a few years ago had two bubble flares. Same experience with a 97 E-350 I used to work on a lot.

Ford does however love to use bubble flares at the connections to the ABS module's hydraulic block. They also tend to use holes with different sizes and threads to help avoid crossing the lines, particularly mixing up the in and out lines. I have no issue believing that this is your problem, as most pre-made lines use a double flare.

You should be able to use line adapters to change the HCU connections over to accept standard pre-made lines. That's how I dealt with it on my Ranger.


As said, the double and bubble flare are very dissimilar. They are different enough that I can tell the difference just by feel, so I imagine that someone who is blind and probably used to making sensitive distinctions with their hands would also be able to make the distinction. I'm not blind, but I do a lot of feeling around for things I can't see because my hands fit but my head doesn't.

 

[Theblindguy]

My new lines have the standard double flare on them but I threw away my old lines so I cannot check them to see what was there. And I can’t tell by feeling around the master cylinder. I did notice the ABS unit and the master cylinder each line has different hole sizes.

 

[adsm08]

My new lines have the standard double flare on them but I threw away my old lines so I cannot check them to see what was there. And I can’t tell by feeling around the master cylinder. I did notice the ABS unit and the master cylinder each line has different hole sizes.

Get someone who can see to look into the ports. A Bubble flare port will be smooth the whole way down and come to a point at the bottom.

A double flared port will be a fairly shallow hole, maybe 1/4 inch deep or so, and have an upward protrusion in the middle of the bottom that looks something like a tiny volcano.

 

[4.0blue98]

I recently replaced the brake line from the junction near the fuel filter back to the flex line near the rear diff. On my 98 SC the junction was a metric bubble flare. I just got a double flare to bubble flare brass adapter since I didn't have a bubble flare kit. Just seems appropriate for this thread in case anyone is caught off guard like I was a few month ago.

 

[19Walt93]

I use my double flare tool to make bubble flares by omitting the final step. You have to be very careful and set the depth of the first crush a little lower. Don't try it unless you have a lot of experience flaring steel tube.

 

[4.0blue98]

I use my double flare tool to make bubble flares by omitting the final step. You have to be very careful and set the depth of the first crush a little lower. Don't try it unless you have a lot of experience flaring steel tube.

I read that you could do it too. I believe it's possible but I tried a few times in my recent predicament but didn't like the product. The adapter worked great.

 

[Josh B]

Borrowed this photo from single vs bubble vs double(hope that's not immoral or illegal). Went looking because I wasn't sure what they all were