I've just bought a copper brake pipe set for my 1981 T25. When it came to fitting the pipe between the rear brake cylinder (at the back of the brake drum) and the flexible hose mounting point, it was short by 8 cms or so.
The supplier has told me that there are two types of braking system for the T25, dependant on whether it is a single or dual system. They have also stated that the single system has pipes approx 45cms in length (the ones supplied to me) and the dual system has pipes approx 53cm in length.
This in my mind appears to be wrong. Unless VW changed the length of the rear suspension arm or significantly changed the position of the pipe to flexible hose mounting bracket, the length of the pipe for all T25 models should be the same.
Can anyone confirm the correct pipe length?
Correct Brake Pipe Length
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Re: Correct Brake Pipe Length
There are no dual or single system variants for the T25... the only difference that 'might' exist would be the Syncro 16" with a trailing/radius arm approx 1" longer and a different brake backplate design, but I can't imagine it's that which has caused this confusion.
ETKA says 520mm , for both sides, 1981
Syncros are quoted at 550mm (1987)
It's normal just to take your old pipe a round the corner and have one made up there and then./
Kunifer 10 is generally preferred over pure copper, its an cooper alloy (Cu 90%; Ni 8%, fe 2%). Copper needs a lot more support on runs, to prevent whipping a round and work hardening, supposedly it can then crack just behind the flares. However, tons of copper in use...
ETKA says 520mm , for both sides, 1981
Syncros are quoted at 550mm (1987)
It's normal just to take your old pipe a round the corner and have one made up there and then./
Kunifer 10 is generally preferred over pure copper, its an cooper alloy (Cu 90%; Ni 8%, fe 2%). Copper needs a lot more support on runs, to prevent whipping a round and work hardening, supposedly it can then crack just behind the flares. However, tons of copper in use...
The 80-90 Tech Wikipedia Your 1st port of call
1.9TD Syncro Doka / Syncro Kastenwagen / 16" Kombi Camper
Syncronaut No. 1
Re: Correct Brake Pipe Length
Thanks for your quick reply. I will hold my ground with the supplier. But, after being so unhelpful, I will not use them again. What I will say is that there appears to be a batch of Automec copper pipe sets that have the wrong length pipes, so I suggest people check before buying.
Re: Correct Brake Pipe Length
What length are the ones supplied?
Definitely crap story about single or dual system variants... maybe they mean anti-locking (late series option)
Pure copper pipes must be very securely clipped in place to prevent any vibration. Local Motashop, friendly garage will make you some rears up pretty cheap, ask for Kunifer if poss, good mechanics will know, packets maybe marked up Cu Ni Fe (or cupranickel)
Original mfr should be queried, those lengths from same data as VW counters use, quote that!
Part Nos if you like
191 611 994 D
4.75 x 0.75
free length 550mm
Definitely crap story about single or dual system variants... maybe they mean anti-locking (late series option)
Pure copper pipes must be very securely clipped in place to prevent any vibration. Local Motashop, friendly garage will make you some rears up pretty cheap, ask for Kunifer if poss, good mechanics will know, packets maybe marked up Cu Ni Fe (or cupranickel)
Original mfr should be queried, those lengths from same data as VW counters use, quote that!
Part Nos if you like
191 611 994 D
4.75 x 0.75
free length 550mm
The 80-90 Tech Wikipedia Your 1st port of call
1.9TD Syncro Doka / Syncro Kastenwagen / 16" Kombi Camper
Syncronaut No. 1
Re: Correct Brake Pipe Length
The length of the brake pipes supplied was 45cms. JK has stated that they have contacted Automec (the manufacturer) who is still adament the correct length for early vans is 45cms. The good news is Automec has agreed to send replacement pipes of 54cms in length, which will get my van back on the road but doesn't address the underlying issue!
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Re: Correct Brake Pipe Length
I always cut rears to 525mm for 2WD and syncro, only variant is 16", I have samples of those so i just copy them.
450mm or whatever is too short.
Ignore ETKA also, some are correct, some aren't, your better just copying the originals.
I usually just cut them (don't bother undoing, it takes too long) then use the old pipe as a guide for length, flare them then use a brake pipe bending tool and the old pipe to get the shape of the pipe before I fit it, they practically fall on then and look neat too.
450mm or whatever is too short.
Ignore ETKA also, some are correct, some aren't, your better just copying the originals.
I usually just cut them (don't bother undoing, it takes too long) then use the old pipe as a guide for length, flare them then use a brake pipe bending tool and the old pipe to get the shape of the pipe before I fit it, they practically fall on then and look neat too.