Print Page - Air Lines Copper or Plastic

Title: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: Melbo on March 12, 2009, 06:09:42 PM

I want to move the parking brake "button" that is on the right hand side of the drivers seat in my MC8 and I am wondering if I can use 1/4 inch DOT rated plastic line or if I need to use copper line and if I need to use copper line what grade of line is necessary for the air lines considering that this is part of the braking system.

Thank You

Melbo

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: JackConrad on March 12, 2009, 06:25:12 PM

We relocated our park brake valve to the left side of the driver's seat. We used 1/4" DOT nylon tubing and DOT approved compression fittings. 40,000 miles and no problems so far. YMMV Jack

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: Dreamscape on March 12, 2009, 06:36:49 PM

I used the DOT nylon tubing and fittings when I installed our AD-9 drier, very happy with the results and easy to work with too.

~Paul~

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: jmblake on March 12, 2009, 06:39:24 PM

I also just relocated mine and used the 1/4" DOT plastic line, worked fine and much easier than copper. Jason

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: HighTechRedneck on March 12, 2009, 07:04:05 PM

As near as I can tell most (if not all) of the factory brake plumbing on my RTS is DOT Vinyl tubing.

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: belfert on March 12, 2009, 07:47:21 PM

My bus is a 1995 and uses DOT plastic tubing for all of the small air lines. I would use the plastic tubing.

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: FloridaCliff on March 13, 2009, 06:39:39 AM

Melbo,

I am also about to move mine and will use the plastic brake line.

Its whats used on all the more modern vehicles and much easier to work with.

I would hate to have to pre-bend all the twists and turns mine is going to have to make.

I just bought a brand new Bendix valve on eBay for a deal.

Best of luck,

Cliff

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: gm4106 on March 13, 2009, 07:44:03 AM

I did moved mine and use the plastic brake line. Its much easier to work with.

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: Kentucky Steve on March 13, 2009, 09:09:50 AM

I do want to use copper to replace all of my lines. Is the copper for home water lines suitable for use (DOT approved?). What about the flex copper for home water lines. I know plastic would be easier for most but I have worked with copper for years so its no bother to me to install it, and I just like the rigidity of it.

Thanks
.........Kentucky Steve...........

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: buswarrior on March 13, 2009, 10:29:38 AM

Melbo, absolutely use the plastic DOT air lines.

Be sure to protect it from chafing/movement tie wrap it it well, and add some protection in the way of old rubber hose pieces, etc wherever it has to touch things that will rub against it.

Kentucky Steve, pull off a piece of the existing and get it measured for match up. I'm sure you already know to be careful to get a good wall thickness and use proper fittings.

happy coaching!
buswarrior

Title: Re: Air Lines Copper or Plastic
Post by: Nick Badame Refrig/ACC on March 13, 2009, 02:40:28 PM

Hi melbo,

I know the dot plastic is a good product but...

Plastic is Fantastic but, Copper is the leak Stopper!

Good Luck
Nick-

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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Melbo on March 12, 2009, 06:09:42 PM