Posted for "John Barrett" <2thman@cablespeed.com>:

Sounds like a beautiful solution to me, Art. I know of no reason why you
couldn't use aluminum tubing, (unless it's OD is too great to clear the
space where the trunion passes through the gear leg). Aluminum brake lines
are successfully used today in hundreds of thousands of certified Spam cans
as well as military airplanes and most likely the commercials as well for
brake lines.

The trouble with the DH brake lines is that the fittings have to be swedged
on so you can't do this AFTER you install the flextube.  It is these
fittings that keep the line from going past the trunion.  It is true that
when I tapped out the trunions, the first one got dinged up a bit because I
didn't think to brace the entire piece well enough before I tapped it on
when trying to replace it.  In addition, not having to remove the landing
gear leg saves a great amount of time and sweat.

I think a good way to use your new idea might be to first put the AN
fittings on the end of the tube that will be at the top of the gear leg.
Next thread the  tube down the gear leg (after removing the wheel/brake
assembly).  Have the tubing terminate at the top end at a level where it
does not impinge on anything throughout the range of gear leg motion, but
high enough you can access it to thread the brake line onto the AN fitting
you've already attached.

Then do the procedures on the other end (attach the AN fitting and fit it to
the wheel/brake assembly) then put the wheel/brake assembly back together
again.  Use a DH flextube long enough that it goes to the top of the gear
legs with a small service loop and I think you've got it.  Will be
interested to hear how it works out!

Congratulations on cracking a nut we've been scratching our heads over for
six or seven years now.

Regards,
John Barrett
Barrett/Garrett Enterprises, Inc.
PO Box 428
Pt. Hadlock, WA 98339
www.carbinge.com