New brake lines for my '64 230SL

[Charles 230SL]

I'm in the process of installing a new ATE brake booster and I decided to go ahead and install new front brake lines while I've got the booster and master cylinder out of the way.  The front left brake line between junction block and left brake hose is shown as being 180mm (same length as the line between the master cylinder and junction block), and the two lines I ordered even had the same MB part number (123-420-5028). Well, the front left brake line (123-420-5028) is 40mm too short. anyone know how I can verify the correct part number for the left front brake line on an early 230sl?

[Jordan]

Charles, my 230SL parts book shows 113 420 12 28 for the brake line between the master cylinder and junction and 113 420 14 28 for the brake line between the junction and the left brake bracket.  No lengths are specified.

[Pawel66]

I am afraid there is more to it...

For 113042 VIN up to 8143, LHD
A 113 420 12 28 was there initially, replaced by A 123 420 50 28, LINE, 4.75X0.7X180 MM, replaced by A 123 420 50 28 64 - that is what you get now.

For VIN as of 8144, LHD
A 113 420 24 28 initially, replaced with A 123 420 58 28 FROM BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO LEFT FRONT WHEEL, replaced with A 123 420 5828 64

Then

A 123 420 7228, FROM BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER TO RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, replaced with A 123 420 7228, shown also in position... but I do not know where this position is, there is no number, just position in the parts list with the same part number. It looks like the right line had the same part number as some other line, not left.

So 180mm seems to be correct, but you say it is too short for the left wheel...

As for the parts with dimensions, I see this:

A 123 420 51 28 LINE 4.75X0.7X210 MM (this is for RHD)

   
A 123 420 53 28 LINE 4.75X0.7X260 MM, for LHD, up to VIN 8143, God knows where it goes, not on the picture, just on the part list. Maybe this is the one you need. The part number now is A 123 420 53 28 64.

[Charles 230SL]

Marcus, Pawel, wow! thanks for the wealth of information and the part numbers. I appreciate your research. I never realized there were several brake line variants during the 230sl production run.
180mm is indeed the (published) length for the brake line between the junction block and left brake hose - it's simply 40mm too short for my particular 230sl (chassis 003548). I'll give Bud's a call in the morning and see if they've got a 220mm brake line in stock.  thanks again for all your help, Charles

 

[Pawel66]

If any issues, check the A 123 420 53 28 64: LINE 4.75X0.7X260 MM, for LHD, up to VIN 8143.

[Charles 230SL]

If any issues, check the A 123 420 53 28 64: LINE 4.75X0.7X260 MM, for LHD, up to VIN 8143.

Will do, thanks Pawel

[merrill]

back when i replaced all of the metal lines that i bought from my local mb dealer I had to custom form each line and cut to the correct length then flare the ends.

[Charles 230SL]

back when i replaced all of the metal lines that i bought from my local mb dealer I had to custom form each line and cut to the correct length then flare the ends.

merrill, looks like that's what I'll end up doing. The front left brake line was 40mm too short and after attempting to bend the new front right line to match the old one, I soon realized it's 235mm too long! I'll need to cut off the excess 235mm and flare the end. I think these brake lines have a double flare (?) Updated 6/10/2021: the brake lines have ISO Bubble Flares.  I've never built up brake lines so I'm not sure what flaring tool to buy. any recommendations?  thanks in advance for advice..

[merrill]

hi
I ended up using the took pictured below.    after flaring i would make sure there were no burrs,

one tip on forming the lines:  i found that hand forming the line worked best, i'd tape the ends of the lines side by side and work my way to the other end taping the lines together as i went.   carefully bending in small increments and if needed using a coffee can or soda can to support the line for curves.   (larger bends required a larger support device)

when i started the job i purchased several fancy line bending tools,  but they were more of a pain to use than just doing the job by hand.

[Charles 230SL]

merrill, thank you for the photos.

one tip on forming the lines: ..i found that hand forming the line worked best, i'd tape the ends of the lines side by side and work my way to the other end taping the lines together as i went...

Thats exactly what I ended up doing. Even with the Eastwood bending tool I have, forming by hand and taping the lines together as I went worked better for me.

As our seasoned veterans always say, "the search function is your friend"; after I sent my previous (Jun 8th) message, I found some excellent information on this Forum regarding the brake line flares (btw these are ISO bubble-flares) https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=17479.msg122802#msg122802.

[Sead]

For my 64 230 I made all of them by myself. Also for clutch hydraulics..

[Shvegel]

Ummm,  Those are not double flares on the original brake lines they are in fact bubble flares.  They are not compatible systems.  If you look at the factory line you will see what I mean. 

https://www.rtsauto.com/brake-lines-for-bmws-and-e30s-the-bubble-flare-not-the-double-flare/

[merrill]

Shvegel,
hi
good catch, 
I was able to use the tool to create an end that would work by not completing the double flare step.

its been at least 17 years since i did the job, but the brakes work fine.

The bubble flare kit (essentially a different flare fitting) is available for about $20 which should provide the correct flare.

[Charles 230SL]

I've been distracted these past few days but finally completed installation of the new ATE brake booster and front brake lines.

If any issues, check the A 123 420 53 28 64: LINE 4.75X0.7X260 MM, for LHD, up to VIN 8143.

Bud's confirmed the latest part number for the front/left brake line is indeed 123-420-5328 and it's 260mm.   
Rather than order another brake line and gamble on it being the correct length, I saved shipping time (and money) and just bought an ISO bubble flare tool kit. With the flare kit I made a spectacular bubble-flare on the end of the 235mm excess I had from the front/right brake line and used it for the front/left brake line - 235mm was a perfect fit.  Lessons learned; I won't be ordering any more pre-cut brake lines. I'll just make my own.