Although brake lines are intended to endure the lifetime of the vehicle, we are aware that this is not always the case in real life. Thus, comes to the part where you need to make some changes in the brake line of your Silverado. For that, you will require its fitting size.
So, what’s the chevy Silverado brake line fitting size? In short, after the 1950s, there are only two sizes that are utilized in every car and truck. One of them is the 3/16′′ which is also known as CNF-3. The other one is the 1/4′′ which is also known as the CNF-4. Almost all Chevy Silverado pickups produced worldwide utilize either of them.
However, when it comes to brake lines, there is just a lot to know about them. So without any further ado, let’s dig in deep with sizes and brake lines!
What Causes Chevy Silverado Brake Lines To Break?
Before we get into the main section, let’s take a look at why your brake lines failed in the first place.
The most typical sign that a Chevy Silverado automobile brake line needs to be replaced is leakage. Because of an automobile accident, brake lines may occasionally collapse or deform.
Additionally, rock-filled roads or running into debris can cause additional damage, such as holes and cracks. Rust that eats through the line can also be produced by moisture and road salt. And least of all, brake fluid itself has the potential to corrode a line from the inside out.
Nevertheless, the brake lights won’t turn off chevy Silverado is another problem that isn’t related to a broken brake line. So, we have covered it in another article.
Chevy Silverado Brake Line Fitting Size?
The obvious question to ask when a replacement line is required is what size brake line to purchase for a Chevy Silverado. The solution is rather simple.
If your truck or car was made in the 1950s, you would need the 14-inch since that size was frequently utilized at the time.
On the other hand, after the 1950s, a 3/16-inch brake line, commonly known as a CNF-3, is used in almost every car or truck in the world.
Nevertheless, the two brake lines that are most frequently found on Silverado’s are 1/4″ and 3/16″/4.75mm. The smaller size, 3/16′′/4.75mm brake line (CNF-3), and the bigger size, 1/4′′ (CNF-4). Both of them are used on almost all Chevy Silverado trucks produced worldwide.
To conclude, your Chevy Silverado brake line fitting size isn’t any different from the others as it utilizes the same size that is universal.
However, different models of the Chevy Silverado use individual brake line sizes, switching between 3/16′′ and 1/4′′. This is where you need to measure the brake line size. So, how do you do that in the easiest way possible? Let’s check it out in the next section.
How To Measure A Brake Line Fitting Size?
There is a method to measure the brake line in a few steps if you find yourself in a circumstance where custom brakes have been installed and you are unsure of its size. The only things you will require are a caliper and your owner’s or shop manual.
- First, take a look at the owner’s handbook. There should be a section where it specifies the precise locations of the brake lines and the master cylinder.
- Second, secure the caliper over a section of the brake line that is easy for you to access. Turn the dial until the jaws enclose the line entirely and snugly. Male threads will be a little bit less than their nominal size, and female threads will be a little bit bigger.
- Third, check the caliper’s measurement, which should be in inches, millimeters, or occasionally both.
To obtain the proper brake line size, you might need to convert the measurement. Standard or metric measurements are frequently used by manufacturers. To convert a measurement from inches to millimeters, multiply it by 25.4. Divide the measurement in millimeters by 25.4 to get the equivalent in inches.
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What Is The Cost Of Replacing A Brake Line
The cost of replacing a brake line can vary on many factors. One of them is who is going to do it, and the other is how many brake lines you need to replace.
Nevertheless, I think you will need is $250 and that includes the labor charge. Yet, if you are willing to do the replacement by yourself, then the cost would get cut by a ton. Talking from experience, it isn’t that difficult of a job.
On the other hand, the number of brake lines also plays a big role in the overall price. The more you need to replace, the amount you need to spend increases proportionally.
Lastly, not to mention but the model of your vehicle matters as well. The older your vehicle’s model is, the harder it is to find your desired parts. As a result, the price may jump up to a lot more than expected.
FAQ
There is always more information to learn about Chevy Silverados and brake lines. As a result, I will provide the most simple answers to the majority of your questions in the FAQ area.
A 7/16″ thread is utilized on a 1/4 brake line. I like the threads that are provided by the brand MuHize. They provide the best fitting threads that will prevent any sort of leak.
Even though the CNF 3 and CNF 4 are the only ones in the market, the most common ones would be the CNF 3. In most of the vehicles, the CNF 3 is preferred.
Your brake system should not be fitted with a compression fitting. If your brake system is damaged, not only is your safety on the road in jeopardy, but also the safety of others.
Conclusion
To conclude, the answer is a 3/16′′ and 1/4′′ to the question of what is the Chevy Silverado brake line fitting size? As Silverado first came out in the year 1999, there is no way you would be needing to utilize a 14-inch one. Thus, the universal CNF 3 and CNF 4 would be the only ones that you need to keep in mind.
However, knowing which one between these two is a bit difficult. So what you need to do is measure it with the help of some calipers and manuals.
