Car is 2000 Mazda MPV. There are rust on hard lines undercarriage, and at wheels. The rust does not inspire confidence, though there has been no leaks (knock on wood). I am seriously thinking about replacing all the hard lines as well as the flex hoses (don't want to fight the connection). I have never done this before, and nervous about the ins and outs of doing this job. Please could I have your advice?
1. I can find all pre-bent lines (except for left rear) at dealership (and online sources), the left rear long line is NLA (no longer available). Using pre-bent lines is currently not my option for reasons a) they are steel lines with a coating, and I live in Albany, NY; b) it does not appear to be possible to put the pre-bent lines in without tearing the car to the bones, and this is the primary reason.
2. I read good things about the copper-nickel lines, and currently thinking about going this way, and do flares and bends by myself. NAPA sells a single size flare tool that seems to be a good one, and I think I can practice and get good flares. Also will get the OEM flex hoses.
3. My biggest concern is how to get the new line in place. I am thinking about using the old line as template for one end to get it started, and leave the other end straight so that I can thread it and bend it inline as I reroute the lines... but again, this is just thinking.....
Please let me know if I am on the wrong path. Thanks.
1. I can find all pre-bent lines (except for left rear) at dealership (and online sources), the left rear long line is NLA (no longer available). Using pre-bent lines is currently not my option for reasons a) they are steel lines with a coating, and I live in Albany, NY; b) it does not appear to be possible to put the pre-bent lines in without tearing the car to the bones, and this is the primary reason.
2. I read good things about the copper-nickel lines, and currently thinking about going this way, and do flares and bends by myself. NAPA sells a single size flare tool that seems to be a good one, and I think I can practice and get good flares. Also will get the OEM flex hoses.
3. My biggest concern is how to get the new line in place. I am thinking about using the old line as template for one end to get it started, and leave the other end straight so that I can thread it and bend it inline as I reroute the lines... but again, this is just thinking.....
Please let me know if I am on the wrong path. Thanks.