new Brake lines

[sleepy23]

Just trying to get a thread posted to find out some more info about stainless lines. There have been several attempts but threads keep getting moved, closed, or deleted.

Brutal and Will had some good info in one thread and would be interested in seeing a continuance of the GOOD info and not the crap that shut down the thread. I am however assuming that I am allowed to post this since my last attempt was deleted.

[adrenaline503]

What do you want to know exactly? They don't offer much of a performance advantage over newer "rubber" lines that have an internal metal sleeve to prevent expansion. Stainless lines have another braided layer on the outside, in addition to the inner layer. So basically, the inner layer would have to expand too much for it to provide any benefit. Thats assuming that the outer layer has any anti-expansion properties.

I do however think that high end stainless lines probally use a high quality inner hose, and that is where the benefit is seen. Stainless lines look awesome, might be more abrasion resistant if thats a concern. Personally, if I was going to buy extended lines for a lift I would consider them.

If you want more information, go look at the specs on various brake lines.

Here is company that uses Teflon lined cables to prevent fluid drag, kinda cool.

StopTech : Stainless Steel Brake Lines

[mike]

A few manufactures claim a better brake feel if you replace your brake lines with Stainless Steel Brake Lines. This is just ploy to sell more brake lines. There is no performance gains from any brake line.

The reason people who have replace their brakes lines for longer SS lines have not felt a difference is because your OEM lines were not bad and there was no difference. You will hardly ever see a swollen brake line. Most technicians will recommend replace brake lines when the rubber on the outside of the lines starts to dry rot. This accrues way before a brake lines inner wall deteriorates and the line can swell.

Stainless Steel Brake Lines are more durable but you cannot inspect them for the exterior.

If you want a little more bling by your wheels, get them. If you need longer brake lines due to a lift, then get them.

BUT don't believe your brakes will perform better!

[dubie2003]

^^^^^ Can we get a link to a source please. I am still deciding if I want to get a set or not and a link will help my research.

[mike]

Originally Posted by dubie2003

^^^^^ Can we get a link to a source please. I am still deciding if I want to get a set or not and a link will help my research.

I'm sure I could come up with a link but just so you know I have been an Automotive Technician for the last 14 years. I am not trying discourage anyone from buying SS lines but everyone should have all the information.

[dubie2003]

Originally Posted by mike

I'm sure I could come up with a link but just so you know I have been an Automotive Technician for the last 14 years. I am not trying discourage anyone from buying SS lines but everyone should have all the information.

And this is why this thread is here, so we can get all the info out into the open.

Plus, if this thread gets enough helpful posts, we then can link it to all of those "What brake lines are the best?" threads.

[bigdog]

Brake Lines - NSX-Wiki Below is a summary from the link:

"Three reasons to install SS brake lines:

1. They look racy - LAME

2. They don't swell like rubber lines - so they can potentially firm up your brake pedal.

3. If you're doing a lot of off-road driving, the stainless-steel braid may protect your lines from being punctured by rocks or whatever.

Here's the thing, though: Since stainless-steel lines don't bulge as they age, and since the inner Teflon lining is hidden behind the braid, there's no easy way to inspect the lines for warning signs of imminent failure.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: The lines that your performance-parts distributor will sell you are made with no-name hose from God-knows-where (probably Taiwan), and the hose-ends are just swaged-on fittings that are an invitation for disaster. I won't run these on my car, and I don't recommend that you run them on yours, either.

Stainless steel lines have been known to fail when dirt gets between the outer braid and the Teflon lining... As the braid moves back and forth, the dirt abrades the Teflon and can make it rupture. If you look at stainless-steel lines on motorcycles, you'll see that many of them are encased in plastic tubing, apperently in an effort to eliminate this problem.

Reasons To Avoid SS Braided Lines:

1. For all you our there with stainless lines. Beware. My braiding actually burst.

[the lines bursting] is the risk that you take with stainless lines. Otherwise, don't you think all manufacturers would have made them standard? Among the BMW and PCA club members I talk to, most shy away from stainless lines unless they are religous about changing the lines every year or two.

Randy told me he does not recommend these NOR does he use them in the RM Racing NSX. The braking and rumored flex are not affected by the plastic brake lines. He said that one person who had them installed had them come apart right after leaving the installer and was in an accident in their NSX. Maybe this is why Ferrari uses the plastic lines in their production cars too. BTW - I can not recall a single member on this list ever experiencing a problem with the plastic lines failing.

SS lines are tough to a point and are a special application product (i.e. for racing and usually replaced between races just as tires are replaced regularly throughout a race). The SS braiding not only protects the "rubber" beneath from outside physical damage but also act as a girdle that lessens brake line flex (swelling).

Remember, this race inspired product was invented to protect brake lines from track debris left by accidents the driver sometime has no choice but to drive through. The firmer pedal and faster piston actuation was a side benefit. The "look" is just that. If you want long lasting (relatively speaking) stick to OEM lines. If you want more protection and performance try synthetic cloth braided lines"

If you are really interested in this subject I recomend you read the whole article. I've attempted to do a cut and paste summary here in case the link goes away, but there is much more useful info in the original article. My summary of the article is that they may provide us with good single use protection while offroading, but the risk of bursting increases exponentially so I'm going to go ahead and leave the OEM lines on, and sue the heck out Nissan if there is ever a catastopic brake line failure. Otherwise it was my own damn fault, and frankly my truck stops whenever i ask it to.

BTW - If you are still interested in SS brake line I found a website that sells Goodridge G-Stop Brakeline Kit this kit fits our vehicles (mine anyway) and sells for $115 for all 4 lines. Turns out Autoanything sells these too.



For 98-04 Frontys checkout Russell Street Legal Stainless Steel Brake Lines they sell for $102.55



Pre-Assembled, Direct Bolt-On Brake Line Kits

Direct bolt-on Brake Line Kits bring the ultimate in braking performance. They improve your braking performance for competition or every-day driving. Replacing the OE rubber hoses with Russell brake lines reduces brake pedal travel for more consistent braking. Featuring stainless steel braided hose with zinc-plated fittings, these brake lines are factory assembled for convenient installation. They meet the strict guidelines of the U.S. Dept. of Transportation MVSS-106 requirements. All Russell brake line kits are for stock applications unless noted otherwise.

[blackcc06]

Crowm performance .com makes custom SS brake lines tripple shelded and come in colors for every type of use from of road to street with bit tires or big wheels .Add this to your list and buy from a reputable place that knows their stuff


SP