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Stainless Steel Brake Lines
09-17-12 | 02:28 PM
#1
Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Well my 60k is coming up and I bought the Sewell kit. Since Im flushing the brake fluid I decided to upgrade my lines to the Stoptech ones. I got them from the B2 Auto GB. Is there a DIY? I've watch some videos on youtube it doesn't look that hard. Any tips?
09-17-12 | 05:16 PM
#2
From what I read, stainless steel brake line would be a downgrade from the OEM.
Kurtz can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
I wouldn't do it for show since it's behind the wheel, nobody is going to notice it.
Kurtz can chime in and correct me if I'm wrong.
I wouldn't do it for show since it's behind the wheel, nobody is going to notice it.
09-17-12 | 05:35 PM
#3
09-17-12 | 06:13 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,058
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From: WA
EDIT: Here's a link from a previous thread: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/5886536-post5.html
Last edited by anthrax144; 09-17-12 at 06:17 PM.
09-17-12 | 06:17 PM
#5
You are correct, the only drawback is supposably they dont last as long as OEM. You would have to check the brakes lines often for fray or broken steel lines. Let us know if there are any immediate improvement to the pedal feel right off the bat. Do you ever track your car? or have long commutes?
09-18-12 | 07:28 AM
#6
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Florida
I just replaced my stock rubber lines with s.s. lines when doing a 4 point brake job! Not much difference if any in pedal feel, More consistent as the fluid heats up. Which is what I was looking for. I always switch out rubber lines for s.s.
These should last a long time. Its not like they fray or come apart easily. Its a wear and tear item like anything else. However they will last a long time especially if routed correctly. They come with an outer protective sheathing as well to protect the s.s. portion. Well worth the money spent in my opinion.
These should last a long time. Its not like they fray or come apart easily. Its a wear and tear item like anything else. However they will last a long time especially if routed correctly. They come with an outer protective sheathing as well to protect the s.s. portion. Well worth the money spent in my opinion.
Last edited by RaceTech4; 09-18-12 at 08:42 AM.
09-18-12 | 07:46 AM
#7
I just replaced my stock rubber lines with s.s. lines when doing a 4 point brake job! Not much difference if any in pedal feel, More consistent as the fluid heats up. Which is what I was looking for. I always switch out rubber lines for s.s.
These should last a long time. Its not like they fray or come apart easily. Its a wear and tear item like anything else. However they will last a long time especially if routed correctly. They come with an outer protective sheathing as well to protect the s.s. portion. Well worth the money spend in my opinion.
These should last a long time. Its not like they fray or come apart easily. Its a wear and tear item like anything else. However they will last a long time especially if routed correctly. They come with an outer protective sheathing as well to protect the s.s. portion. Well worth the money spend in my opinion.
The OEM lines are rubber coated, but kevlar underneath.
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09-18-12 | 08:10 AM
#8
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 34
Likes: 0
From: Florida
Their is no reason to check s.s. brake lines more often.....I dont know where you come up with this information. The Stainless Steel lines I put on are not a downgrade either...Kevlar is a minute amount of material in the lines anyways. Its not like its a kevlar line wrapped in rubber. Its a rubber line with some kevlar which is not > the lines I put on which were designed with a smaller diameter for pedal feel at higher pressures.
Last edited by RaceTech4; 09-18-12 at 08:43 AM.
09-18-12 | 08:14 AM
#9
Driver
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 150
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON
I wonder...
if anyone has an old spare stock brake line for either an is250/350
and actually split it open to see what is inside
that would help with this debate
Im on the fence, about stainless steel lines on my is350, seeing IMO would compliment better brake pads and fluid (ATE, stoptech, Castrol, Motul etc)
if anyone has an old spare stock brake line for either an is250/350
and actually split it open to see what is inside
that would help with this debate
Im on the fence, about stainless steel lines on my is350, seeing IMO would compliment better brake pads and fluid (ATE, stoptech, Castrol, Motul etc)
09-18-12 | 08:21 AM
#10
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 34
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From: Florida
Their really shouldnt be a debate....they are rubber lines just like on every other vehicle no different. Rubber on the inside wrapped with kevlar and other cloth material for strength with a rubber outside.
The s.s. lines I have a smaller ID for increased pedal feel at higher temps and pressures, a smooth PTFE inner lining with a stainless steel lining on top of that and a outer PVC covering to protect the braid from contaminants.
In reality s.s. lines should last the entire length of the car where as Rubber OEM lines are supposed to be checked every 4 years according most manufacturers recommendation.
The s.s. lines I have a smaller ID for increased pedal feel at higher temps and pressures, a smooth PTFE inner lining with a stainless steel lining on top of that and a outer PVC covering to protect the braid from contaminants.
In reality s.s. lines should last the entire length of the car where as Rubber OEM lines are supposed to be checked every 4 years according most manufacturers recommendation.
Last edited by RaceTech4; 09-18-12 at 08:25 AM.
09-18-12 | 01:26 PM
#11
While I've not personally dissected a 2IS brake line to verify this, the source is pretty reliable.
With the stock, kevlar lines, you don't have that drawback. Really, Lance explains it all in his original post if you care to read it.
He's hardly the only guy to suggest SS lines require more frequent inspection and/or replacement either due to the "suprise, no brakes!" issue-
http://www.turbobricks.com/mods.php?content=art0018
If you have the lines installed on your Volvo, you should inspect them on a more regular basis
Failure is definetly a potential as the internal hose cannot be visually inspected, Change with brake fluid flush every 2 years.
Fair bit of comments there, including from some race guys, about why not to use em on a street car, unless you replace/inspect them fairly often.
some but not all of this can be mitigated by buying a really good SS setup, but there's a lot of cheap/crap ones out there... this is mentioned here:
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showpost.p...86&postcount=3
Yes there are a couple of disadvantages.
One is that most SS lines are not "DOT legal". SS lines are very strong, but the connections at the ends tend to fail do to fatigue. There are some SS lines that are properly terminated to provide the proper stain relief, but not all are. As a result, the routing and strain relief of the SS brake lines is critical. If you've already lost brakes because of a failed rubber brake line, you understand the panic that can occur when a brake line fails. The rubber lines very seldom actually fail. They usually "go bad" and simply start swelling under pressure which creates a "mushy" feel to the brakes - but they usually don't just "burst". The SS lines, when they fail, just "burst".
Mostly SS lines are great on a race car that will have lots of maintenance and the lines will be replaced more often. For street cars, SS brake lines are mostly "bling"
One is that most SS lines are not "DOT legal". SS lines are very strong, but the connections at the ends tend to fail do to fatigue. There are some SS lines that are properly terminated to provide the proper stain relief, but not all are. As a result, the routing and strain relief of the SS brake lines is critical. If you've already lost brakes because of a failed rubber brake line, you understand the panic that can occur when a brake line fails. The rubber lines very seldom actually fail. They usually "go bad" and simply start swelling under pressure which creates a "mushy" feel to the brakes - but they usually don't just "burst". The SS lines, when they fail, just "burst".
Mostly SS lines are great on a race car that will have lots of maintenance and the lines will be replaced more often. For street cars, SS brake lines are mostly "bling"
But to go back to the OPs question- on a 1970s car you'd notice a significant difference... with a modern kevlar OEM brake line you really won't, especially for normal on-street driving... so unless you MUST have the look of SS stick the OEM lines that are at least as strong, and easier to inspect (and less prone to surprise failures over time).
Last edited by Kurtz; 09-18-12 at 01:39 PM.
09-18-12 | 04:33 PM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 34
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From: Florida
Ok well anyone can sit there and find information to try and validate their point. But your post is insignificant. We aren't talking about cheap **** stainless steel lines. They are DOT approved. As are most of them on the market sold for street cars! If installed correctly and when using a quality stainless steel line from a reputable manufacturer their are benefits to the line over rubber OEM lines and will most likely outlive the vehicle where as a Rubber line over time from expansion and heat will crack and fray. This is what the OP wanted to know and asked about. But as I have stated previously they are a wear and tear item all the same as a rubber line ... Thats all I will say..
Last edited by RaceTech4; 09-18-12 at 05:06 PM.
09-18-12 | 04:56 PM
#13
I've got you both beat...
From Summit Racing.
These Superlift Bulletproof KEVLARŽ reinforced braided stainless steel brake lines are constructed of a PTFE inner bladder surrounded by a KEVLARŽ reinforcing braid. They're covered with a rubber sheathing, stainless steel braid, and an outer plastic sheathing for unmatched strength and protection from foreign objects. They also feature a steel leader at the end to make sure the lines are routed away from any moving suspension components.
Summit Racing
I'm hoping that you can take a joke
From Summit Racing.
These Superlift Bulletproof KEVLARŽ reinforced braided stainless steel brake lines are constructed of a PTFE inner bladder surrounded by a KEVLARŽ reinforcing braid. They're covered with a rubber sheathing, stainless steel braid, and an outer plastic sheathing for unmatched strength and protection from foreign objects. They also feature a steel leader at the end to make sure the lines are routed away from any moving suspension components.
Summit Racing
I'm hoping that you can take a joke
09-18-12 | 06:06 PM
#14
Lexus Champion
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,058
Likes: 0
From: WA
Ok well anyone can sit there and find information to try and validate their point. But your post is insignificant. We aren't talking about cheap **** stainless steel lines. They are DOT approved. As are most of them on the market sold for street cars! If installed correctly and when using a quality stainless steel line from a reputable manufacturer their are benefits to the line over rubber OEM lines and will most likely outlive the vehicle where as a Rubber line over time from expansion and heat will crack and fray. This is what the OP wanted to know and asked about. But as I have stated previously they are a wear and tear item all the same as a rubber line ... Thats all I will say..