SS brake lines for track and daily use

[FrankyGoes]

Time for a new thread
Even if it's an old subject... but I'm due to change my lines.

I'd like to hear from those who tried Stainless Steel. I'm looking at the Goodridge lines.

Is the feel that much better - firmer ?
How often do you change them ?
Did you (will you) change back to OEM on the next renewal ?

Thanks.
Imput is much appreciated as always.

[sebdavid]

Here's what I've been told: changing to SS lines from brand new OEMs won't make that much of a difference, not nearly as much as changing dirty brake fluid to clean new one, or changing to more aggressive track pads. But if you have old OEM ones, then there will be a difference when you replace them by fresh ones; might as well go for SS lines rather than just replace with OEM.

In practice, it is hard to tell, because when you change your lines you're also bound to change your fluid, so what part of the improvement is due to the lines is hard to determine.

I went with SS lines last year to replace my tired old OEM ones (kind of a wise move for track use, my car being a '98). I saw a huge improvement in braking from the year before, but again, between changing the fluid and changing to more aggressive track pads, I can't tell how much of the improvement was due to the SS lines. I see no reason to go back to OEM.

[Silverblades181]

The OEM ones are already steel braided but the SS are much stronger and won't expand as much under fluid pressure, plus they won't deteriorate like the OEM rubber ones. It's a no brainer since they're not expensive, offer good reliability and some improved performance.

I would also recommend getting the teflon coating for daily use. They will protect the lines from all the crap they'll see on everyday roads.

[Chow Mein]

There are also some with SS ends (rather than carbon steel ends that are coated with corrosion-resistant stuff).




The OEM ones are already steel braided but the SS are much stronger and won't expand as much under fluid pressure, plus they won't deteriorate like the OEM rubber ones. It's a no brainer since they're not expensive, offer good reliability and some improved performance.

I would also recommend getting the teflon coating for daily use. They will protect the lines from all the crap they'll see on everyday roads.

[blacksheep]

like Seb said, most of the hype surrounding improved pedal feel isn't due to the lines but rather to the mandatory flush and bleeding when you install them

if people would just flush and bleed the stock lines I'm sure they would see the exact same improvement in pedal feel

I prefer OEM lines from the dealership. I bet the car manufacturers apply the absolute highest quality control on this essential safety item, otherwise the potential for huge lawsuits would be unacceptable.

[Gregster]

might as well go SS it will be cheaper

[mayor]

My experience has been that ss lines didn't improve pedal feel much, if at all.

What had a real impact, though, was replacing the rubber guide bushings for brass ones. It also helped with more even pad wear.

[Chow Mein]

I agree, pad wear was evened out after upgrading to the metal bushings.

I would not recommend these for a car that's driven all year round (especially with our winters). You need to inspect and lubricate them periodically otherwise they may seize.



My experience has been that ss lines didn't improve pedal feel much, if at all.

What had a real impact, though, was replacing the rubber guide bushings for brass ones. It also helped with more even pad wear.

[homer09]

where did you guys source the brass guide bushings?

[FrankyGoes]

It’s great to get the varied and qualified opinions.
I'm leaning towards the SS lines. But I will change them every 3 years. There is no way to know when they are about to fail, which they do just like OEM.

Interesting the brass bushing came up. I will be running them this summer. It will be difficult to know what made the most difference but the brakes are getting upgraded period.

As far as lubricating the brass bushings regularly... care to expand on the regularly ?

Thanks

[Chow Mein]

Simple, metal on metal...salt, crap/dirt/corrosion, grease dries out and/or gets contaminated...SEIZED!!!

I don't worry about this because that car doesn't see winters, and I inspect/lubricate the pins when I bleed the brakes before every event.




It’s great to get the varied and qualified opinions.
I'm leaning towards the SS lines. But I will change them every 3 years. There is no way to know when they are about to fail, which they do just like OEM.

Interesting the brass bushing came up. I will be running them this summer. It will be difficult to know what made the most difference but the brakes are getting upgraded period.

As far as lubricating the brass bushings regularly... care to expand on the regularly ?

Thanks

[Andrei]

I am sure good SS lines are just as safe if not more safe than OEM. The manufacturer can't hide behind warranty disclaimers on such a part and would be eaten alive by insurance companies and crash victims if they were actually bad. Don't buy cheap made in China stuff that doesn't have a respected manufacturer behind the product.

I only had SS lines together with big brake calipers so I can't say if they make it feel better.

[mayor]

As far as lubricating the brass bushings regularly... care to expand on the regularly ?

Thanks

I did it before every track event, which was about 8-10 times in the summer back then. They probably didn't require that much, but might as well once the caliper's off to change pads.

[Emre]

If you want to firm up the brake pedal, the most important thing you can do is to regularly flush the system with a high-quality fluid to keep moisture, air bubbles, and dirt out of the system. If there is a way to stiffen the caliper itself, that generally pays big dividends. Beyond that, you can upgrade your master cylinder to a larger model, assuming one is available. For example, E30 M3 guys typically upgrade to the E32 750Li master cylinder, which is pretty much a direct bolt-on.


The OEM ones are already steel braided but the SS are much stronger and won't expand as much under fluid pressure, plus they won't deteriorate like the OEM rubber ones. It's a no brainer since they're not expensive, offer good reliability and some improved performance.I agree with Philippe here. I don't think you should expect any noticeable improvement in pedal feel with s.s. lines vs. new OEM lines. But the cost is about the same, so you might as well upgrade. As Philippe and others have pointed out, make sure to get Teflon-coated lines from a reputable manufacturer (like Goodridge) and you won't have any problems.