Volvo Brakes on a Jag XKE

[23yrRebuild]

According to some websites I've seen, the Volvo caliper conversion is also done on the Jag XKE, but I am currently using new stock calipers on my ride and I'm happy with their performance.

[greydog]

Eeek, copper brake line....I know the Brits use copper lines on brakes, I think they even have a special name for the line they use. Still, copper line just doesn't seem a good plan.
Ok, now that I'm done with that, it looks like the plan is to drill a shallow hole from each chamber to the adjoining one so that the two holes meet somewhere close to the middle. Kinda like drilling a tunnel through a mountain. Once that's done, plug one factory inlet and plumb to the other.
Seems painfully simple, I wonder why Girling chose not to do that.
Dan

[Lee2000]

Actually, the only reason Cunifer(copper/nickel/iron) lines are NOT used on all new cars is cost, plain and simple. It is about 95% as strong as steel, does not work-harden like pure copper, and is many times more corrosion resistant than steel. Plus, it polishes up real nice. Definitely THE choice in harsh environments.

[Lee2000]

Ooops...looks like I spoke too soon as the guy seems to indicate regular copper was used. I can't really tell from the photo, but it does look like he did NOT use cunifer. I guess I assumed anyone skilled/ambitious enough to redesign the E-Type brake system would know what brake pipe material to use.

[greydog]

The copper nickel I've seen is a sort of silvery color, his tube looks like refridgerant line which is easy to bend, flare and split.
I like the idea of drilling the through hole to eliminate the tee which seems like a potential failure point but I wonder if there is some reason why it wasn't done at the factory. After all, since the castings were being machined anyway, it would have been easy to drill the holes (or simply cast in a passage).

[spl310]

It wasn't done at the factory due to the Volvo specifications. Volvo has a cross split system. If you lose one circuit, you still have 4 wheel brakes - just at a reduced effectiveness as one half of the caliper is then just along for the ride.

[greydog]

Thanks, that makes sense. Volvo safety, who needs it???

[spl310]

It is a good idea if you put it into place. It would be a PITA to run double lines everywhere though...

[ppeters914]

We used to make the short piece that connected the brake hose to the wheel cylinder on forklifts out of copper. Quick, cheap 'n' easy, but they didn't last. No way would I ever think of using plain copper tubing for auto/motorcycle brake lines.

Speaking of brake lines, what genius at Nissan thought mounting the T-fitting on top and close to the differential thus requiring a near impossible bend for the left rear wheel brake line was good engineering? Over 2 hours trying to make a template with a coat hanger, and ready to scream.

[23yrRebuild]

I have'nt seen Cunifer lines at any of my local auot part places

[K1200 GT]

Isnt there a seamless copper tubbing that is used for that type of stuff? Not just your average run of the mill stuff.

Richard

[GeoffM]

Speaking of brake lines, what genius at Nissan thought mounting the T-fitting on top and close to the differential thus requiring a near impossible bend for the left rear wheel brake line was good engineering? Over 2 hours trying to make a template with a coat hanger, and ready to scream.

Yup, just went through that myself. 4 hours on my back bending that line and the two diff lines. FUN!

[Lee2000]

Cunifer IS the seamless copper alloy brake tubing Volvo's been using for 35 years.
I recently installed new, off-the-shelf rear brake lines as well and found the toughest bends to be the ones as the pipe approaches the wheel cylinders. It's a tight radius which must allow room between the line and the spring perch, but I had the old lines to use as a template. I moved the brake "T" to the left about 1.5" to allow the non-stock pipe lengths to reach since one new line was 2" shorter, while the other was 2" longer than stock. Worked fine.