Braided steel brake lines = firmer pedal?
05-31-2011, 06:42 PM
#1
Braided steel brake lines = firmer pedal?
Just thought I'd poll people who have done this modification. I've got the stock Z51 braking system (2005 C6), and the pedal is a bit squishy even after repeated bleedings. Any noticeable improvement after swapping the lines out??
05-31-2011, 06:57 PM
#3
Melting Slicks
For just normal street driving, not really, but I noticed quite a bit of difference when I got on track and started pounding on the brakes lap after lap. The other big improvement was switching to Castrol SRF. Do those two things, pump some air to the brakes and you'll have a good pedal!
05-31-2011, 11:44 PM
#7
Tech Contributor
How are you bleeding the system?
06-01-2011, 02:09 AM
#9
I think people might take you more seriously if your sn didn't sound so much like "sleestak"
J/k.
06-01-2011, 04:35 PM
#10
Team Owner
06-01-2011, 06:36 PM
#11
Race Director
I can't tell a difference....you have to "feel" the pedal wherever it goes (even if it's to the floor). SS lines require constant monitoring and careful installation!
06-02-2011, 12:10 AM
#13
if changing lines to steel makes the pedal "firmer", somethng was seriously wrong with the old lines.
mostly safety thing - if road debris or your wheel/suspension comes in contact with the brake line, you do not want it to be the weakest link
mostly safety thing - if road debris or your wheel/suspension comes in contact with the brake line, you do not want it to be the weakest link
06-02-2011, 03:58 AM
#15
Instructor
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Respectfully disagree.
HAving been with students in Corvettes is which the rubber brake lines have failed-- it is relatively inexpensive peace of mind. Had one with a relatively new C6 that the line would expand with a bubble under hard braking. Quite frightful-- riding as the instructor I could feel it in the car under hard braking.
It was the first upgrade, along with Z06 brake ducts I did to my car. Yes there needs to be proper fluid for track driving, proper pads, and bleed the system every event (or each track day).
I definitely notice a firmer pedal, and it holds. Not as firm and condifence inspriring as what I had in my 911 (put stainless steel lines in it too).
Please note that if you do put in braided steel lines-- they need regular attention and maintenance-- and replacement periodically.
HAving been with students in Corvettes is which the rubber brake lines have failed-- it is relatively inexpensive peace of mind. Had one with a relatively new C6 that the line would expand with a bubble under hard braking. Quite frightful-- riding as the instructor I could feel it in the car under hard braking.
It was the first upgrade, along with Z06 brake ducts I did to my car. Yes there needs to be proper fluid for track driving, proper pads, and bleed the system every event (or each track day).
I definitely notice a firmer pedal, and it holds. Not as firm and condifence inspriring as what I had in my 911 (put stainless steel lines in it too).
Please note that if you do put in braided steel lines-- they need regular attention and maintenance-- and replacement periodically.
06-02-2011, 12:42 PM
#16
Respectfully disagree.
HAving been with students in Corvettes is which the rubber brake lines have failed-- it is relatively inexpensive peace of mind. Had one with a relatively new C6 that the line would expand with a bubble under hard braking. Quite frightful-- riding as the instructor I could feel it in the car under hard braking.
It was the first upgrade, along with Z06 brake ducts I did to my car. Yes there needs to be proper fluid for track driving, proper pads, and bleed the system every event (or each track day).
I definitely notice a firmer pedal, and it holds. Not as firm and condifence inspriring as what I had in my 911 (put stainless steel lines in it too).
Please note that if you do put in braided steel lines-- they need regular attention and maintenance-- and replacement periodically.
HAving been with students in Corvettes is which the rubber brake lines have failed-- it is relatively inexpensive peace of mind. Had one with a relatively new C6 that the line would expand with a bubble under hard braking. Quite frightful-- riding as the instructor I could feel it in the car under hard braking.
It was the first upgrade, along with Z06 brake ducts I did to my car. Yes there needs to be proper fluid for track driving, proper pads, and bleed the system every event (or each track day).
I definitely notice a firmer pedal, and it holds. Not as firm and condifence inspriring as what I had in my 911 (put stainless steel lines in it too).
Please note that if you do put in braided steel lines-- they need regular attention and maintenance-- and replacement periodically.
My experience is that the pedal-feel gain is slight, if at all, but I know firsthand that improvement is possible, depending on the car. To me, a slight improvement would be worth a set of lines.
06-02-2011, 01:19 PM
#17
Race Director
Here is an easy test, grab the brake line and have someone press the brake pedal. The amount the C4 lines swelled was significant.
06-02-2011, 04:41 PM
#18
Team Owner
I think I'll try my brake lines on my truck tomorrow with a caliper. I think if the material was expanding enough so you can feel it in your hand it probably would not stop expanding and burst. Then again a garden hose expands but it is probably not near the pressure of a brake line. Someone get out the calipers.
http://www.stoptech.com/tech_info/wp...teel_Q&A.shtml
Last edited by John Shiels; 06-02-2011 at 04:51 PM.
06-02-2011, 10:05 PM
#19
Race Director
Alone the lines of this thread, are there any heavy duty aftermarket non steel lines for Vettes? I am not a fan of the steel covered lines, but I have no problem with an upgrade.
What goes on the ZR1?
What goes on the ZR1?