Local source for air brake fittings / lines?

[TheHubbardBus]

Local to the Phoenix AZ metro area specifically, but more general answers appreciated as well.
Got the push pull (aka parking brake) valve replaced, which was the source of a significant air leak which is now gone. But now there's a push-to-fit T leaking where a small diameter line branches up to the air seat.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I just go to any hardware store and get the appropriate compression fittings - do make sure to get the ones with the inner "sleeves" for the size tubing you are working with.

[TheHubbardBus]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

I just go to any hardware store and get the appropriate compression fittings - do make sure to get the ones with the inner "sleeves" for the size tubing you are working with.

Thanks Brad! Any advantage or disadvantage vs the push-fittings?

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by TheHubbardBus

Thanks Brad! Any advantage or disadvantage vs the push-fittings?

Check the PSI rating of the push on fittings, brakes are kind of important.
When I built brake calipers for NASCAR, I would pressure test them at 1500psi.

[TheHubbardBus]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Check the PSI rating of the push on fittings, brakes are kind of important.
When I built brake calipers for NASCAR, I would pressure test them at 1500psi.

Understood, Marc. Thank you. The push-on fittings I was referencing (more accurately push-to-connect, I had the terminology wrong) are DOT-approved for use in air brake applications. That's what I'm replacing.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by TheHubbardBus

Understood, Marc. Thank you. The push-on fittings I was referencing (more accurately push-to-connect, I had the terminology wrong) are DOT-approved for use in air brake applications. That's what I'm replacing.

Sorry, was thinking of the other push on stuff. If they are DOT approved for air brakes, then go for it. I'm impressed with the technology that's gone into connectors. SharkBite, P-T-C, etc. Used to be you used to have a torch and solder, or special crimping tools for each size, etc. Now, you just push the tube in and you're done.

[TheHubbardBus]

I am too. It's hard to get over the gut feeling they aren't secure when they're so effortless to install. I'm reading up on them now (air fittings) and most resources seem to view them as being better than old-school alternatives in terms of reliability.

[somewhereinusa]

Originally Posted by TheHubbardBus

Thanks Brad! Any advantage or disadvantage vs the push-fittings?

The push fittings are likely to leak. On my semi leaks we're almost always the push fittings. I always replaced with compression type. No more problems. You can get the inner sleeve separately for a regular compression fitting.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I've found the push fittings to be problematic after a few years. Sometimes they let go, or won't let go (when you want/need them to) and develop leaks. Compression fittings are (relatively) easy to disassemble and reassemble and less prone to leaking.


Manufacturers love them (push-to-fit) because they are cheaper both in cost to buy as well as labor to assemble.

[TheHubbardBus]

Thanks guys! Very much appreciate the info! Great to hear... I can have this leak fixed first thing in morn instead of hunting for hard-to-find parts.