SS Brake Lines: Interesting White Paper

[euro911sc]

I was looking for some info on SS lines and ran accross this white paper:

http://www.centricparts.com/files/technical%20guides/stainless-steel-brake-lines.pdf

Thought it might be interesting for some. Only 2 pages so no big deal.

[tirwin]

Thanks for posting. The PO of my SC had bought a set of SS lines and never installed them. I was thinking the next time I change the brake fluid I might put them on. But after reading the recent debate now I'm not so sure. Gotta do some more reading...

[Craig_D]

Good read! Thanks for sharing.

[intakexhaust]

Thank you and well worth the read.

Years back I had a teflon / stainless braided line from a well known aftermarket supplier going bad. Odd fray near the fitting coupler with no movement or rubbing. Wasn't leaking but could only surmise it from road debris hit. If the vehicle would have had the OEM polymer probably would have been fine.

Interesting:

If a manufacturer claims their SS lines are “DOT compliant”, it means that their SS lines have passed all FMVSS106 requirements, and they have submitted the test data to the government for official certification. This does not mean they are acceptable for use on your car, but it does mean they pass the government minimum standards.
Another term you may hear in this context is “DOT approved.” However, the DOT is not in the business of actually approving or disproving compliance – they don't typically run any tests on aftermarket components themselves. Under these circumstances, one can only surmise that these manufacturers are trying to state that their lines are actually “DOT compliant”, but it never hurts to ask before you buy.

[spuggy]

You should keep researching.

When I looked a few years ago, I found information that "DOT compliant" SS lines actually use fittings mandated for rubber hoses - because the fittings are stipulated in the DOT spec. These are not, in fact, ideal for SS lines - as they're designed/intended for rubber hoses. SS line manufacturers lobbied for them to be able to use hose supports - otherwise, those fittings, used incorrectly on SS lines per DOT regs, wouldn't pass the vibration test mandated by the DOT.

So "DOT compliant" may actually be inferior in practise - by design. Like "DOT compliant" sealed-beam headlights (with the mandated "scatter", so you can read road signs on unlit roads, ha!), when everyone else was enjoying halogen H4's since 1971...

That's without even getting into incorrect fittings, inferior material/assembly and lines that blow off the fittings when you're trying to bleed the brakes. Plenty of horror stories about that with cheap aftermarket lines too - although good quality ones shouldn't do that.

And if you use correctly designed and constructed SS lines? What's your legal position if you're in a horrendous accident through no fault of your own - and the crash investigator/insurance assessor discovers non-OEM, non-DOT brake lines fitted to your car?

Correctly designed/constructed and installed SS lines may be superior to rubber hoses. Although I doubt you'll notice a difference, personally - although you may be able to measure it on a test rig.

But then you encounter the difficulties of inspecting these lines, on a street vehicle (racers just change these out with their drivetrains, heh). And I can tell you from experience that they'll wear through anything they touch if you let them move at all.

[theclaw]

The fine print at the bottom of the paper.

Stoptech is the performance engineering and manufacturing division of Centric Parts. It is the leader in Balanced Brake Upgrades for production cars and has three patents in basic brake technology and one other pending. With a worldwide network of resellers, StopTech’s product line includes Balanced Brake Upgrades for approximately 450 applications featuring StopTech’s own six-, four- and two-piston calipers, two-piece AeroRotor Direct Replacement Kits, braided stainless steel brake lines and slotted and drilled original-dimension rotors. StopTech also stocks a wide range of performance brake pads. The company’s website, StopTech, is a clearinghouse of performance brake information, and provides details on StopTech products.

It's marketing.

[winders]

Originally Posted by theclaw

It's marketing.

Of course it is. That doesn't automatically make the information incorrect. In fact, since they publishing the information, it is in their best interest to make sure it is accurate and factual. Otherwise, they could get in legal trouble or damage their reputation.

I read nothing in the article that jumps out as being factually incorrect.

Scott

[theclaw]

Originally Posted by winders

Of course it is. That doesn't automatically make the information incorrect. In fact, since they publishing the information, it is in their best interest to make sure it is accurate and factual. Otherwise, they could get in legal trouble or damage their reputation.

I read nothing in the article that jumps out as being factually incorrect.

Scott

You're absolutely correct. I should of elaborated. Third party info always carries a little more weight if it's really an unbiased analysis. When the source also sells the stuff I consider it marketing. Could be positively accurate, still they are giving you a pitch. I do it all the time!

[roblav]

I use braided stainless flex lines all the time but don't purchase DOT type. I make them up myself. They are cheaper and better.

[GrantG]

Originally Posted by roblav

I use braided stainless flex lines all the time but don't purchase DOT type. I make them up myself. They are cheaper and better.

Does this require any special tools (like crimper)? Where do you purchase the supplies?

[hcoles]

Originally Posted by theclaw

the fine print at the bottom of the paper.

stoptech is the performance engineering and manufacturing division of centric parts. It is the leader in balanced brake upgrades for production cars and has three patents in basic brake technology and one other pending. With a worldwide network of resellers, stoptech’s product line includes balanced brake upgrades for approximately 450 applications featuring stoptech’s own six-, four- and two-piston calipers, two-piece aerorotor direct replacement kits, braided stainless steel brake lines and slotted and drilled original-dimension rotors. Stoptech also stocks a wide range of performance brake pads. The company’s website, stoptech, is a clearinghouse of performance brake information, and provides details on stoptech products.

it's marketing.

+1

[roblav]

No special tools required. Use AN-3 braided stainless hose and the specified fittings. Earls or Aeroquip or Goodridge brands come to mind. I generally use Aeroquip. I suspect you'll need a couple metric to AN-3 adapters - they may even make a metric banjo fitting for the calipers.

A quick search shows Earls here:

AN Speed-Flex PTFE Hose | ANplumbing.com

Here are the appropriate steel fittings:

AN Speed Seal Steel Hose Ends | ANplumbing.com

To cut the hose, wrap tape around it then cut it with a cutting wheel. Lubricate the fittings (after removing the tape!) and use a new "brass olive" every time. The fittings are re-useable.

Use AN-3 hose for brakes and AN-4 hose for hydraulic clutch.

[GrantG]

Thanks!

[mnez]

I have StopTech braided lines on my car. Other issues aside, I like that they use a clear polymer tubing over the braid which protects the braid, keeps the dirt out from between the braid and teflon line, and still allows visual inspection.

[mclmk8d]

Originally Posted by mnez

I have StopTech braided lines on my car. Other issues aside, I like that they use a clear polymer tubing over the braid which protects the braid, keeps the dirt out from between the braid and teflon line, and still allows visual inspection.

I haven't been able to find lines for my 87. What is the Stoptech part number for your lines and where did you buy them?

[mnez]

I called Stoptech directly, but that was a few years ago. I don't have part numbers for you. The site seems to be down at the moment.

[gsxrken]

One of the very first things I did on my car was swap out the original lines out with the stainless braided kit from Pelican. Could not feel a difference and I don't buy the statement that the stainless braid is so tightly applied or woven that it restricts expansion of the inner Teflon hose.
However, it is nice to know the lines have been addressed from a maintenance standpoint.

[theclaw]

Originally Posted by gsxrken

One of the very first things I did on my car was swap out the original lines out with the stainless braided kit from Pelican. Could not feel a difference and I don't buy the statement that the stainless braid is so tightly applied or woven that it restricts expansion of the inner Teflon hose.
However, it is nice to know the lines have been addressed from a maintenance standpoint.

Ditto.

[DCinVA]

The stainless lines are nice, and it is important to replace older brake lines. As the rubber ages it gets hard and can crack or break. I typically test old lines by bending them, and looking for surface cracks in the rubber. If they show cracking in the rubber, replace them.

So, having said that, how do you check the condition of a rubber line that has been wrapped with stainless braid? Can you see the rubber thru the braid?

[James Brown]

easy, cut it in half on a band saw. all kidding aside, just remember to change out brake lines every few years and you should be good, bradded or stock