1978/10/09 Caterpillar

Never use copper tubing in place of any steel lines in brake systems. Always install a steel line in place of a steel line. Servicemen must know this.

If replacements for these steel lines are needed, order new steel lines even if some former Parts Books for motor graders show the part number for bulk copper tubing.

All the steel lines are available for parts service, and they are performed (come already bent). Always make a replacement of the lines or hoses with the parts shown in the latest Parts Books or NPR (Numerical Parts Record).

The Parts Books for most 14E and 12F Motor Graders show bulk copper tubing as replacements for steel brake lines. This is not correct and these Parts Books have been or will be changed to show that steel brake lines are available for parts service. These motor graders and Parts Books are:

New information is to be added to the microfiche as soon as possible and to the new (revised) books.

Our recommendation is that you take extra cautions to be sure that copper tubing will not be used as replacements for steel tubes in brake systems:

... See that a red warning tag is put on all rolls of bulk copper tubing in your parts departments and service departments that says: "Do not use in place of steel brake lines. Order new steel line from Caterpillar".

... Put the same warning on a sign at the storage area or bin for tubing.

... Put the same warning immediately next to these bulk (rolls of tubing) part numbers in your locator files (the first numbers are not available):

There are copper tubes in the brake systems on some machines in the field, especially those using air activated brakes. When you do work on machines with copper brake lines, be careful not to tighten the fittings too much. Inspect all flares and bends for good sealing surfaces and for cracks or damage before they are used again. This is a good recommendation for all applications of copper tubing.