Stainless Steel Brake Hose

[gpotts200]

Which is a better stainless steel braided broke hose manufacture and why:

1.) Toutman sold here on pelican
2.) Technafit sold by *****************
3.) Other

The car will be used for a few Autocross events a year but mostly general commuting.

[racer]

For that type of use, OEM rubber might be best.

Why? the SS lines simply wrap around a rubber insert. This can make it harder to notice when the rubber inside is failing. Since you don't need the "stiffening" effect of the SS for the type of driving you are doing, I'm not sure I'd pay a potential premium for SS lines.

[misnblu]

I don't understand why you don't see the merits of the stainless steel lines.
I've got them on two of my cars with the 944 soon to get it's set once I do some more research on the matter.

But for the cars that do have it, it's a difference between night, and day. Brake feel was superb on both cars and modulation is good too. Nothing like being right on the threshold of locking up and slowing down fast.

I wouldn't have it any other way.
I can't vote but I will listen in on the two so that I can make some decisions on what I'm going to do.

Good luck with the poll.

[flash968]

proper stainless lines have teflon linings - these lines will outlast the car

i am currently running the ones from paragon - i do know another manufacturer, and they have OEM fitment, at least for the 968, complete with the wire wrap - not sure if they fit the 944 or not, but drop me a note, and i'll point you there so you can find out

[gpotts200]

Pm sent

[p-talk]

I put Troutman lines on my 944 last year (which also use Teflon). I can definitely tell the difference in brake feel, but since I also flushed out three or four year old brake fluid as well it isn't exactly an "apples to apples" comparison. But I'm happy with mine, and they'll last a very long time, so you get peace of mind too.

[racer]

DOT stainless, at our host, are $70. OEM Rubber is $30.

If you are going to the effort to replace lines, then you are also changing out fluid, perhaps also replacing pads and/or rebuilding failing calipers.

I maintain that for street use, a properly refreshed system, to OEM specs, is as good as putting the SS lines on.

More often than not, when one replaces the old rubber with SS, it is not a genuine apples v apples comparison, because of all the other items being changed out (fluid, sometimes pads etc). I would also say that if, in a street environment your toes can "feel the difference", especially with a power boosted brake system, your skills are quite impressive.

Also, I would argue, if SS lines are so much better, why do manufacturers NOT use DOT approved stainless lines as OEM?

[Rasta Monsta]

Ha, I think you answered your own question.

[flash968]

manufacturers do not use stainless due only to cost and very specific DOT regulations regarding anything safety related, such as brakes - the approval process for any kind of change is overwhelming and incredibly expensive - it's just not worth it to them, or the market

[smokin_944]

For our cars, cheap parts are not worth it IMO. I wouldn't run the OEM lines for any money.

[Rasta Monsta]

Hey Smokin, how do you like the balance of your 250/28 setup?

[James Chimney]

I was looking at my new rubber hose brake lines, do I have to remove the caliper to install if not how do I keep the hose from kinking when I screw one side on then the other side one?

[joeporsche1]

The caliper is a snap to remove..
Not 2 b on a fence here on this, I want a set of ss lines
pedal firmness is upgraded & that equals a funner time
wherever your at, street or track. Street you can make
more aggresive stops and get higher speeds on the twisties.
Track you have less chance of the guy behind you guaging
and finding your weakest braking pattern and passing you.

[smokin_944]

Originally Posted by Rasta Monsta

Hey Smokin, how do you like the balance of your 250/28 setup?

I have never tracked the car, Rasta, it is definitely a harsh ride but a very good balance. I get jarred silly in the turns. The car corners like its on rails, flat in front even in hard turns but the comfort level is not so good and I'm worried that my caster blocks are not up to the task. What would you suggest for caster blocks?

[Rasta Monsta]

There aren't a lot of options for steel armed cars. I've fitted Prothane units to both my toofahs, they seem to be doing fine, and they were quite inexpensive. . .just search for Rabbit/Golf Mark I.

What shocks are you using? I am running 300#/27mm on my 931, and while the ride is quite stiff, I wouldn't call it harsh.

[smokin_944]

Koni yellows all the way around, and I guess the reason I think they're harsh is because The German is runnin 24.5mm Tbars on his ride and his Konis are set a little softer than mine,lol...

[ScoobySteve]

To me, the stainless lines are not just about performance but preference. I prefer stiffer pedals where you modulate more with pressure than travel. I just like the way it feels. With that said, my Subaru with stainless lines is still softer than my 944 without.

One of the best setups I've ever felt was a Fiat X1/9 (4 wheel discs) with stainless lines and no power brakes. The pedal didn't move at all; you just apply pressure.

[HondaDustR]

Originally Posted by ScoobySteve

The pedal didn't move at all; you just apply pressure.

That's always been my ideal brake feel, and the SS lines did help in that respect. They should practically last forever, which is a good bit of peace of mind. They aren't magic or anything, and will take some time to settle in and reach maximum stiffness, but I would definitely add them to my list of jobs if I ever got another 944. Between the SS lines, fresh fluid, and EBC red stuff pads, my brakes are very firm and will stop almost scary fast on good pavement.