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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Brake pipe unions

Over the years I have often made up new brake pipe sets using cupronickel pipes. I made some today for a Honda, and as I was removing the old ones I found that the threads on the fittings have traces of some product on them. It could be the equivalent of locktight, although I have never known one to work loose. Or it could be some sort of sealing compound.

It just made me wonder if there is a assembly sealer paste or similar that is nowadays recommended. Should I be keeping up with the times?
Guy W

None that I've seen to purchase (other than the std Locktite) but I know what you mean. A lot of caliper bolts etc seem to have it on modern cars. I've ordered new bolts before that have already had it on.
john payne

Our old Honda Accord had painted brake pipes and I kinda remember some dried easily crumbly residue in the threads on the connections too. Might just have been a brushed sealer used in the factory for a quick and easy fluid tight joint.

That was a B prefix Accord, the painted pipes didnt stop some pipes failing a MOT and needing replacement for rust mitigation.

I didn't use any kind of sealer on the threads when I fitted the new pipes and never had trouble with leaks.

Any help? :)
Bill1

Thanks, just thought it worth checking as sometimes I find that I just carry on with what I have always done, whilst the world moves on past me! I never have problems with seating home made pipe sets. I think the key is not to overtighten at the first attempt. But seeing this whitish-green residue on the pipe ends and fitting threads I thought that maybe nowadays there was a sealer that I should be using.

Worth checking for a broader knowledge than just my own.
Woof woof!
Guy W

Guy,

Likely not a sealer but a thread locking compound to make sure the nut doesn't come undone, many fasteners have come with it pre-applied for years. The fluid seal should be done at the metal to metal contact faces.
David Billington

On the other hand, it might be an anti-seize compound so that you could get them apart later.

Charley
C R Huff

I think it's as Charley suggested.

I've been though to always use a copper or aluminum grease compound to prevent the unions from rusting shut so you don't snap the pipe when you try to remove them several years later
Alexander Sorby Wigstrom

This thread was discussed between 09/04/2014 and 10/04/2014

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