STST Brake line question

[NutmegCarrera]

Here's a silly question:
Our host sells "DOT approved" brake lines, as well as "Off-road only".
Seems to me that those flexible lines to be used in racing applications should be at least as good as the "DOT approved" version.

Assuming that I won't go hurling myself off a cliff because of a difference, what is the benefit of using the DOT version over the "Off road only"?

Has anybody ever been "inspected" for DOT approved brake lines? Who, why and in what circumstance would this every happen?

Just looking for enlightenment before the visa gets more "lightenment".

Thanks,
Chris.

[Quicksilver]

DOT brake lines are required to have crimp on fittings on the ends of the hoses. The stainless braided, teflon hoses that are used for high performance applications were designed for the screw on aircraft style fittings (aeroquip).
Manufacturers have come up with crimp on ends for the teflon hose but it really is kind of a kludge just so they can meet the inflexible DOT rules.

[NutmegCarrera]

Thanks, Q-silver.

Does anybody here feel adverse to using the "Non-DOT" on a street car?

[NutmegCarrera]

Anybody else have experience with non-DOT stst hoses?

For what it's worth - this is my first time through the brakes on an '85. Based on lousy history of previous ownership, I'd doubt that these have seen any real care. I think the original owners just drove the darned thing.

I'm planning on doing a caliper rebuild, replacing hoses, flushing thoroughly, and doing some suspension stuff at the same time. Front rotors look relatively new. Backs are probably original. Lots of pad left.

I also notice that the caliper wear light comes on after just a little driving - and then stays on. I'm guessing that I've got some hose swell going on - and that one (or more) caliper isn't relieving properly. Will be interesting to see what I find.

Thanks a bunch!

[Steve@Rennsport]

Originally Posted by Quicksilver

DOT brake lines are required to have crimp on fittings on the ends of the hoses. The stainless braided, teflon hoses that are used for high performance applications were designed for the screw on aircraft style fittings (aeroquip).
Manufacturers have come up with crimp on ends for the teflon hose but it really is kind of a kludge just so they can meet the inflexible DOT rules.

Thats not all,.......The DOT rules are actually pretty good and intended to prevent unforseen failures.

DOT-spec lines must contain the "whip" which happens each time you hit the brake pedal. There are various means to do this including adding plastic stiffening collars at each end or a rubber damper in the middle. This prevents the excess flex which causes the teflon tube under the SS braid to separate from the fittings.

Also, a good SS line should always have protective sleeve over the whole line to keep dirt from becoming embedded into the teflon hose under the SS braid. This prevents degradation and wear thus, failure.

There are significant differences between various brands of SS brake lines and the are not all the same, despite what they may look like. We are very picky about the ones we use given the consequences of a failure.

There is a LOT more to this than meets the eye,....