Do braided brake hoses really make that much difference
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: The Black Hole LA
Do braided brake hoses really make that much difference
Do steel braided brake lines really make that much difference? Anyone got any documented proof, I don't really put much stock in the seat of the pants meter.
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Melting Slicks
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From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by JonLT4CE
Your brake pedal will be a little more firm. The hose can't expand as much under pressure.
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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In some states, steel- braided Teflon coated brake lines are illegal on road cars and can only go on off-road or racecars.
Just something to consider.
Just something to consider.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: Champaign, IL
St. Jude Donor '05
Originally Posted by onedef92
In some states, steel- braided Teflon coated brake lines are illegal on road cars and can only go on off-road or racecars.
what's the reasoning behind that law? too safe for the street?
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Melting Slicks
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From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by ToyC4
What do you use the car for? Will you be racing a lot or just driving on the street? If you're just cruising around on the street I wouldn't worry about it.
Will be mainly street car. I was thinking along the same lines as you, just wanted some second opinions.
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Apparenlty, they can cause problems
with the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses....false readings, ABS codes, etc...
GM and other manufacturers note these problems will not be covered under warranty if aftermarket brake lines are in place, so I'm sure that's the reason for making them illegal for street use.
with the wheel speed sensor wiring harnesses....false readings, ABS codes, etc...
GM and other manufacturers note these problems will not be covered under warranty if aftermarket brake lines are in place, so I'm sure that's the reason for making them illegal for street use.
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Instructor
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From: Toronto Ontario
When I upgraded to C5 fronts, I switched to steel braided brake lines at the same time. The pedal sure felt firmer but I am not sure if that was mostly because of the new calipers, rotors and pads.
My gut is telling me that the steel lines were not necessary and I probably wasted my money.
If I were you, I would stick with the rubber ones at first. If you are still not happy and got money to burn, then go for the steel.
My gut is telling me that the steel lines were not necessary and I probably wasted my money.
If I were you, I would stick with the rubber ones at first. If you are still not happy and got money to burn, then go for the steel.
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From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
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Originally Posted by onedef92
In some states, steel- braided Teflon coated brake lines are illegal on road cars and can only go on off-road or racecars.
Just something to consider.
Just something to consider.
I can understand that aftermarket parts are not covered by factory warranties, but the automakers are limited now in what they cannot warrant simply because somebody has aftermarket parts on the car. I would certainly argue with a dealer in getting warranty work done that braided lines caused a failure of some other component. The system not working as designed may be another issue.
I nave braided lines on both my cars and I did notice a slight difference in pedal feel with no other changes. I paid less than $100 for a set of Earl's from Summit Racing and that was much cheaper than GM parts.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2003
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From: Portland Oregon
Originally Posted by c4cruiser
Any idea what states have those rules? I would think it would be states that require annual safety inspections for registration. Making them "illegal" is a state or federal law issue and not one of GM deciding that aftermarket parts should be illegal for street use.
I can understand that aftermarket parts are not covered by factory warranties, but the automakers are limited now in what they cannot warrant simply because somebody has aftermarket parts on the car. I would certainly argue with a dealer in getting warranty work done that braided lines caused a failure of some other component. The system not working as designed may be another issue.
I nave braided lines on both my cars and I did notice a slight difference in pedal feel with no other changes. I paid less than $100 for a set of Earl's from Summit Racing and that was much cheaper than GM parts.
I can understand that aftermarket parts are not covered by factory warranties, but the automakers are limited now in what they cannot warrant simply because somebody has aftermarket parts on the car. I would certainly argue with a dealer in getting warranty work done that braided lines caused a failure of some other component. The system not working as designed may be another issue.
I nave braided lines on both my cars and I did notice a slight difference in pedal feel with no other changes. I paid less than $100 for a set of Earl's from Summit Racing and that was much cheaper than GM parts.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
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From: Tempe AZ
Didn't mean to insult you on knowing how they work. I have them on my 96 but I used to track it often. For the street or even auto-x I wouldn't waste the money. The problem is that you can't inspect them for cracking/deterioration. GM has a lot of liability protection built in to the factory hoses so they're good stuff.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: The Black Hole LA
Originally Posted by JonLT4CE
Didn't mean to insult you on knowing how they work.
After reading the replies I think the $100 can be best spent elsewhere as this car will rarely see track use. Thanks guys.
Melting Slicks
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When I made my brake rebuild/upgrade I also bought a new set of brake hoses (who would use old hoses after spending hundreds or thousands in a new brake kit???). I chose Earl's braided hoses because they look good and in fact they are cheaper than traditional rubber hoses. They are advertised to be firmer and result slightly shorter braking distanses. I believe some magazine tests have confirmed this?
> what's the reasoning behind that law? too safe for the street?
There is one thing to consider however, this is the reason the braided hoses are not legal everywhere: when rubber hose deteriorates you can spot it because you can see the cracks and small leaks as they happen. When a braided silicone or teflon hose deteriorates you cannot see anything. It all happens hidden inside the metal braiding. This can cause catastrofic failure if a problem is not noticed in time. So, as a safety precaution braided hoses should be checked more often for leaks and replaced in any case as often as you would if they were rubber hoses.
> what's the reasoning behind that law? too safe for the street?
There is one thing to consider however, this is the reason the braided hoses are not legal everywhere: when rubber hose deteriorates you can spot it because you can see the cracks and small leaks as they happen. When a braided silicone or teflon hose deteriorates you cannot see anything. It all happens hidden inside the metal braiding. This can cause catastrofic failure if a problem is not noticed in time. So, as a safety precaution braided hoses should be checked more often for leaks and replaced in any case as often as you would if they were rubber hoses.
Last edited by ToniH; Jun 22, 2005 at 04:29 PM.
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
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Originally Posted by onedef92
In some states, steel- braided Teflon coated brake lines are illegal on road cars and can only go on off-road or racecars.
Just something to consider.
Just something to consider.