Flexible Stainless Steel Hydraulic Brake lines

Brothers of The Benz
Why does "Weltmeister" have a disclaimer, "For Off Road Use Only Do Not use On Public Roads Or Highways"?
I thought they would improve the pedal feel and with prolonged service?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

[Lou Nielsen]

Many of the braided stainless lines are not DOT approved. All can be easily damaged during installation and should be inspected regularly to insure that they remain undamaged from use. SS lines are not as flexible as the OEM pieces and are more easily damaged when flexed. Never let a shop that is not experienced with them do brake or suspension work without inspecting prior to use.

[engatwork]

Donald, we use them alot on lubrication systems and compressed air control type applications at work. They do not hold up very long (year or so) in applications where there is movement. The reason we have to use them is because of the rough environment of the application - constantly wet and hot.

[TonyC]

Goodridge sells DOT-approved SS brake lines for many many applications. Have installed 'em on RX7s with good results. YMMV.

[16vwannabe]

brake lines have to pass a DOT "whip test". They mount it in something and whip it back and forth so many times. Typical SS lines break at the joint. DOT legal lines usually have a plastic sleeve at both ends or I've seen some with a spring.
http://www.earlsperformance.com/html/hyperstop.htm
http://www.russellperformance.com/automotive_street_legal_brake_lines.htm

I've also heard you should replace them on a schedule since you can't inspect the condition of the rubber lines. My pedal is still a little long, but it has a pretty good feel.
Darryl

Brothers of The Benz
With proper care and operating procedure, are they worth the added expense for street use?
All publications say the peddle feel is superior, with no expanding of the line, all pressure is applied to the piston.
A little on the technology of the S.S lines?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

[G-Benz]

I've installed them in my VW Bug...but it's a show car, so when on display, the shiny stuff gets points.

I've not noticed any better braking performance, but on a Bug, we're not talking Bremo brakes here!

Stick to OEM unless you are doing a racing brake upgrade that warrants high performance stainless steel brake lines.

This is a subject that has been debated back and forth in Porsche circles for years.

I've used them on many of my Porsches over the years. I've never noticed any difference in braking performance or feel.

It now seems undisputed among the most serious and experienced of Porsche mechanics (like Bruce Anderson, who used to work for Porsche's factory racing team) that in fact SS lines are *less* reliable than the factory rubber lines, for a variety of reasons. They are not as flexible, the joints can come undone easier, the metal can fray and puncture the line, and others. He reports seeing some failure of SS lines over the years, but says that it is almost unheard of for a factory line to fail. Even after 15 or 20 years. He thinks they are ok for a race car, which is inspected or taken apart after each race, but recommends OE lines for a street car.

As I said, I've used SS in the past with no problem, but over the years I've come to realize that OE is probably better on a street car. SS is kind of the answer to a question no one has asked: There is NO performance difference (if someone says they feel a difference, its probably because their braking system was flushed and bled after the installation), but less reliability. I personally am sticking with OE rubber lines in the future (which, in Porsche applications, are actually MORE expensive than the aftermarket SS lines).

Brothers of The Benz, All
And all the time I thought the ultimate brake line upgrade would be S.S.
Not withstanding that the OE hoses are 14 years old and look it.
Because of a little spider, my spring routine of changing my brake fluid was delayed; when I do, new OE hoses are in the offing.
Thanks all.
See the Spiderman DOESN'T have ALL of the answers, now does He?
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

[ke6dcj]

You won't believe how much better braking feels when you change out all your brake lines, esp. with new OEM brake-lines which are using better materials.

As stated previously, if you must use stainless-steel braided brake lines, be sure to inspect them at least monthly, esp. if there is no continuous plastic sheath to protect the braid from contaminants.

Dirt can get into the braid, and cause abrasion to the hose underneath.

Good luck,

:-) neil

Brother of The Benz, ke6dcj
I'm convienced, OE for me.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!