Any real advantage to Stainless! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Tom McMenamin · #1 06-26-2004, 11:00 AM

As you can see from my other post this AM, I have a brake problem of some sort.

I have been noodling replacing the Rotors with Stainless steel grooved replacements and adding stainless brake lines! I figure now might be the time?

Anyone have any input on this as to the benefits or draw backs?

haasman · #2 06-26-2004, 01:00 PM

Tom

There has been a ton of discussion on this site regarding cross-drilled rotors (pros and cons) but not too much about the grooved rotors. If you do a search you will find a lot of threads. Some people think they are simply not worth the money, others appreciate the better wet road, cooling and reduced unsprung weight benefits offset by the additional cost.

Both the grooved and cross-drilled rotors do add just a little increase in sound when braking.

One benefit not so obvious to both is being able to see visually at a glance the remaining thickness of the rotors whether by the remaining groove left or the holes.

Stainless steel lines were created for off-road use. They have found their way to street applications over the years. They do offer a solid brake pedal feel but so should new factory replacement lines. The stainless steel lines offer high rigidity in ultra demanding competitive racing applications. Interestingly, Porsche uses rubber-coated lines on their off-road vehicles.

Stainless steel lines do have one not so good quality that is they accumulate road dirt which causes early and fast wear, depending on the environment of application. The factory lines are rubber coated for a reason: Keep moisture and dirt away and to also prevent ice from forming around them.

If I were running Stainless steel lines I would carefully inspect and check them frequently for wear and abrasion.

Hope this helps.

Haasman

MTI · #3 06-26-2004, 02:32 PM

Teflon brake lines with a woven stainless steel braid have the benefit of remaining flexible while reducing expansion or bulging of the lines from pressurization.

I've had them on many vehicles and never had a problem with them, including any additional maintenance.

I would agree that it's really a "9/10ths" issue for street use, but in braking, isn't that where you'd want all the help you can get?

Kebowers · #4 06-28-2004, 11:39 PM

Changing from OEM 'rubber' brake lines to stainless steel braid over teflon will rersult in 2 things for sure--a much firmer pedal, and messed up ABS calibration. The ABS 'on/off' times were carefully calibrated for an OEM brake pad and brake line. Going to a stiffer line (less swell under pressure) would mean the apply/release cycle on the brake pad would be much sharper, maybe enough so to restart the tire skidding sooner than OEM--resulting in longer stopping distances.

No aftermarket firm can afford to do all the testing and calibration work that an OEM does on brakes.

KermitF · #5 06-28-2004, 11:59 PM

Tom,

Recently replaced brake lines on my '90 124 with new rubber OEM lines and experienced very nice, very noticeable improvement in pedal feel. If your '88 has not previously had lines replaced, you will notice change even if using OEM.

G-Benz · #6 06-29-2004, 09:53 AM

I went with stainless lines on my VW because it was a show car...and ANYTHING was an improvement over the anemic factory brake setup!

But I agree with the posters here about the benefits of sticking to the OEM lines...and exactly for the reasons they mentioned.

But since my front-load Whirlpool washing machine doesn't have ABS drum control, I did opt for stainless steel braided washer hoses...too bad you can't see them!