3/16” aluminum 5052 seamless tube

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

Making some c172 brake lines between calibre and top of strut at bulkhead fitting. I cannot seem to find local supplier of hard brake line , and shipping cost for a 5-6’ length is excessive. Anyone with any supplier suggestions beyond that of the usual suspects as wicks and spruce?

 

[Bell206]

Anyone with any supplier suggestions beyond that of the usual suspects as wicks and spruce?

Speed shops tend to carry 5052 and other items like AN fittings.

 

[Mooneymayhem]

I just checked McMaster and a 6' length of that tubing cost about $50 including shipping.

 

[Let'sgoflying!]

try a local aircraft shop
they often have such things in storage and likely won’t charge a kings ransom

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

I just checked McMaster and a 6' length of that tubing cost about $50 including shipping.

Thanks for reply…. I didn’t see they had 3/16” but will check again.

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

Check with a local hydraulic shop or hose/rubber supply house. They often stock 5052 or 3003 aluminum tubing in 3/16 and can sell by the foot. Also try auto parts stores that make brake lines some carry bulk copper-nickel or steel line in rolls. NAPA and Carquest are better bets than the box stores.

Thanks…. Most of the parts store only carry steel lines and have ends with SAE 45 degree flares…..I can cut and reflare the 37 degree to be compatible with AN fittings but may as well use the original 5052 if going to the trouble. I didn’t think 3003 would take the stress of the flare and my crack over rime. I did call a few local auto fabricators but no 5052.

 

[Mooneymayhem]

Thanks for reply…. I didn’t see they had 3/16” but will check again.

Part #9929T12
That's a wall thickness of .035 but they had several wall thicknesses available, you'd just have to filter it out

 

[455 Bravo Uniform]

If you can use 3003, try Summit Racing

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

i considered 3003 but the OE seems to be 5602 so started there. i didn't think bending 5602 90 degrees was encouraged and from used parts photos I see some c172 have a 90 bend where connecting to AN bulkhead fitting ... maybe some others here with experience on the subject can chime in. 3003 way cheaper and available.

I'm even considering using alloy automotive line and just flaring ends with 73 degree AN ends.

 

[kmacht]

Aircraft spruce has it. $24 for a 6’ length

5052-0 Aluminum 3/16X.035 - 6 Foot | Aircraft Spruce ®

5052-0 Aluminum 3/16X.035 - 6 Foot 5052-O Aluminum Tubing

www.aircraftspruce.com

 

[AlphaPilotFlyer]

Yeah, 3003 will work-harden and crack at the flare, especially with vibration. Stick with 5052 if you can find it. If not, just grab the steel line and reflare to 37. It'll hold fine.

Yea, agree…. Issue with steel is corrosion as it sits in slip stream so epoxy paint rattle can needed if I go in that direction…. Most automotive lines have coatings but doubt they were designed for UV and 100 mph winds. . I asked around some local shops if they had any 5052 so waiting to hear, only need 3-4 ft.