Does anyone know for sure what the NSW law is for fitting non original copper/nickel brake lines such as these minisport/Automec ones? http://oz.minisport.com/gb5002-brake-pi ... o-rhd.html

The RMS website says no copper but online chat suggests that the Automec ones are a blend of copper and other metals and therefore okay...

thanks team!

Those UK brake lines are not to be used on Aussie cars.

Get your brake lines made from steel bundy tube as per original.

Ditto Harley
The Automec alloy might be acceptable in Europe for corrosion resistance but it can look like plain copper here.
Get a reputable brake shop to make them from bundy tubing or buy whatever you need from Minikingdomonline. They have every pipe needed and comply with original manufacturer.

Great thanks for the info guys, very helpful. cheers!

i dont think those brake lines are acceptable but lots of GB ones are. ( my own research.so do your own due diligence ).. so i disagreee with some posters above , but happy to be proven wrong.

Technically ADR approved lnies are the go and they should have that marked / identified on them BUT ,,,, the the australian ADR s for brake lines etc are based on an international ISO .... ## approval, which is aimed at global markets. So Goodridge yellow tagged ones ARE Legal, but don't say ADR....... so confusion... not just in mini land

here is just one of the threads thread i found on Zed forum discussing ( long thread), which sort of backs up my claim ( but some still disagree)

https://aus300zx.com/xenforo/index.php?threads/goodridge-braided-f-b-back-brake-lines.270101/page-6 go down to post number 111,, which says

warrick vehicle insception center








I have asked the same question of a Qld Roadworthy centre and received same response (ie legal) Cheers Darryl

Sometimes environment plays a part too.

In the UK copper brake lines as kits have advantages that they are easy to bend by hand and have a certain level of corrosion resistance against salty snowy roads that may be better than steel in some cases, but out here the steel would be preferred as it would last longer than copper which could be more prone to fatigue over time than steel.

When I said above that copper lines arent to be used on aussie cars it was more from a safety perspective than a standards one.
That said - when has anyone seen a car with copper brakes lines from factory in the last few decades? If it was better than steel they would use it.

My support of Harley's comments were based on comments made by experienced people who worked at a very reliable brake and clutch business in western Sydney. Copper tubing was not acceptable for brake lines.

I agree about the copper not being suited at all. understand where both bill and harley are coming from.

When designing vehicles, much emphasis is placed on cyclical loads. failures are generally designed in ppm and achieved through fatigue failure not ultimate strength. Copper work hardens very quickly and will fail well before the more grain stable S/S or mild steel. Copper = not compliant, at some stage will introduce brake pedal to floor and head to wheel when cutting corners.

This stuff is a blend of Copper Nickel Iron (88% Cu, 10% NI and 2% Fe), which has the scary word Copper in it, but is a different context. This is also known by its industry name as CuNiFe (sounds like Cunifer) and is exactly what people have said for the purpose of corrosion resistance in really, really corrosive environments. In marine use it is used for saltwater and blackwater piping. Its tough and its super resistant, but its expensive. Scrappers love the stuff.

I think the days of shaky people using plumbers copper is long gone and we need to be aware, but this stuff is pretty good. You may need to convince the roadworthy guy about it, but it is tough and will last.

http://www.brakeconnect.com/cunifer-brake-line

Not really needed though. I have lines here that are fifty years old and still good. We have excellent conditions for brake line longevity on our roads.You might just get sick of explaining to every clown that they're not copper.

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SooperDooperMiniCooperExpertEngineering

All garage work involves equal measures of enthusiasm, ingenuity and a fair degree of irresponsibility.

I have a 1929 car with 4 wheel hydraulic brakes. The car (chassis) was built in Detroit and exported to Australia where Holden coach builders put a body on it.
I've recently rebuilt the brakes inc the master and wheel cylinders. I replaced flexible lines but all cooper looked good. It was checked over by a pro and given the thumbs up. All lines are copper and show no signs of work hardening.

If a brake line is in situ it wont move therefore has no pressure therefore will not work harden. it's a conduit.
I understand vibration and resonance but if the copper is affixed to the chassis firmly it wont flop around in the breeze.

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Justin