Don't know answer. Have heard of Earl's forever, but that doesn't mean anything negative about Russell's.
SS Brake lines
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: In the valley
SS Brake lines
As my factory brake lines are dry and cracked, I am about to order Stainless lines from Summit. They offer Earl's and Russell. Prices are close. I will ask the forum, is either set better (I know, subjective) than the other? Which do you prefer/why? This is an 88 vert, stock brakes. Just used for street driving.
Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Charlie
Thanks for your input.
Cheers
Charlie
Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 65,811
Likes: 71
From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
I've got Earl's. I've heard that some of these are sold as racing only, but Earl's are DOT approved. No installation issues whatsoever.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
In addition to Russell and Earl's, also consider Goodridge. They all
purport to meet D.O.T. MVSS106. Goodridge states their's are D.O.T.
certified / T.U.V. approved. Earl's says D.O.T. does not 'approve', they
just set out the specs and it is up to mfrs to self-certify for
compliance.
Earl's have Teflon inner hose, Goodridge is PTFE, I haven't found out
what Russell uses. Now "Teflon®" is the registered trademark of the
DuPont Company for its fluorocarbon resins. DuPont pioneered the use
of Teflon® PTFE and FEP resins. I don't know, but perhaps Earl's
uses Teflon® PTFE from DuPont and Goodridge uses PTFE from another
source??
AFAIK - the inner hoses are essentially the same stuff.
I and a fellow traveller have the Earl's 'Hyperfirm' lines on '89 cars here.
I bought Earl's because they are D.O.T., they have a respected name,
they were available locally for a good price. Otherwise, I would have
sought out Goodridge from a mail order outfit.
I have nothing against Russell.
.
purport to meet D.O.T. MVSS106. Goodridge states their's are D.O.T.
certified / T.U.V. approved. Earl's says D.O.T. does not 'approve', they
just set out the specs and it is up to mfrs to self-certify for
compliance.
Earl's have Teflon inner hose, Goodridge is PTFE, I haven't found out
what Russell uses. Now "Teflon®" is the registered trademark of the
DuPont Company for its fluorocarbon resins. DuPont pioneered the use
of Teflon® PTFE and FEP resins. I don't know, but perhaps Earl's
uses Teflon® PTFE from DuPont and Goodridge uses PTFE from another
source??
AFAIK - the inner hoses are essentially the same stuff.
I and a fellow traveller have the Earl's 'Hyperfirm' lines on '89 cars here.
I bought Earl's because they are D.O.T., they have a respected name,
they were available locally for a good price. Otherwise, I would have
sought out Goodridge from a mail order outfit.
I have nothing against Russell.
.
Last edited by Slalom4me; Oct 7, 2005 at 08:39 PM.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 428
Likes: 0
From: Dallas Tx
Using SS Goodridge lines from Doug Rippie. Fit great, no problems.
Doubt there is any great difference between Goodridge, Russell, or Earls.
BTW, SS lines will wear out over time; it's just harder to see because of the SS braid.
Doubt there is any great difference between Goodridge, Russell, or Earls.
BTW, SS lines will wear out over time; it's just harder to see because of the SS braid.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Originally Posted by tkrussell
SS lines will wear out over time; it's just harder to see
because of the SS braid.
because of the SS braid.
Originally Posted by the blur
Unless you're racing, stick with the OEM rubber lines.
mentioned by "tkrussell".
I've read anecdotal accounts of SS lines failing with age. I haven't
come across any recommendations about a replacement schedule
and mine are too new for the matter to be forefront in my mind.
SS lines give enough of an improvement in pedal feel that I'd
amend "the blur's" advice to say use them, but only if you are
prepared to replace them on a regular schedule. In my case, I'll
be watching for developments and in the absence of hard info, I'll
probably change mine after 5 yrs.
.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
SS lines are way overhyped.
I shrunkwrapped mine to preventt dirt from getting in the braids and damaging the brittle teflon. I couldn't use rubber though, since mine are custom, but I woulda if I coulda.
Don't worry about the DOT rating.
I shrunkwrapped mine to preventt dirt from getting in the braids and damaging the brittle teflon. I couldn't use rubber though, since mine are custom, but I woulda if I coulda.
Don't worry about the DOT rating.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
I have Earl's on my 90. I only went with them because the price was comparable to the OE rubber. I got a good deal from a forum member so I went for it. Fit is nice with no issues. I did not really notice any difference after the install.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,773
Likes: 138
From: cyberspace NY
some where on the www is a great article on why NOT to use SS brake hoses. you must inspect them frequently.
and I would really like to know if anybody can really feel the difference in the pedal. What 99% of people are feeling is the result of FRESH brake fluid, not the teflon hoses.
I replaced my hoses with NEW GM hoses. works for me.
I've seen teflon hoses KINK when the caliper hangs off for a brake job. Can't say I ever saw a rubber hose kink.
and I would really like to know if anybody can really feel the difference in the pedal. What 99% of people are feeling is the result of FRESH brake fluid, not the teflon hoses.
I replaced my hoses with NEW GM hoses. works for me.
I've seen teflon hoses KINK when the caliper hangs off for a brake job. Can't say I ever saw a rubber hose kink.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 46,295
Likes: 2,596
From: Northern, VA
St. Jude Donor '15
"In honor of jpee"
Originally Posted by Slalom4me
I am guessing that "the blur's" comment is related to the issue
mentioned by "tkrussell".
I've read anecdotal accounts of SS lines failing with age. I haven't
come across any recommendations about a replacement schedule
and mine are too new for the matter to be forefront in my mind.
SS lines give enough of an improvement in pedal feel that I'd
amend "the blur's" advice to say use them, but only if you are
prepared to replace them on a regular schedule. In my case, I'll
be watching for developments and in the absence of hard info, I'll
probably change mine after 5 yrs.
.
mentioned by "tkrussell".
I've read anecdotal accounts of SS lines failing with age. I haven't
come across any recommendations about a replacement schedule
and mine are too new for the matter to be forefront in my mind.
SS lines give enough of an improvement in pedal feel that I'd
amend "the blur's" advice to say use them, but only if you are
prepared to replace them on a regular schedule. In my case, I'll
be watching for developments and in the absence of hard info, I'll
probably change mine after 5 yrs.
.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,923
Likes: 0
From: GA
Originally Posted by the blur
and I would really like to know if anybody can really feel the difference in the pedal. What 99% of people are feeling is the result of FRESH brake fluid, not the teflon hoses.
I replaced my hoses with NEW GM hoses. works for me.
I've seen teflon hoses KINK when the caliper hangs off for a brake job. Can't say I ever saw a rubber hose kink.
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: In the valley
Much good info here. I guess as far as SS braided lines go, as long as it is a name brand, it will all be the same. Frequent inspection and routine replacement seems to be the key. As the price is not exhorbitant, and the job is not hard, replacement after a few years would seem to be a good answer. I did find a piece on an NSX page that gives some good info, as well.
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Performance/brakelines.htm
Thanks to all for your input. As usual, the forum members' knowledge and experience comes through. This is a great group. I am very proud to be a member, albeit a junior and less experienced one, of this forum.
You all have a great weekend.
Regards
Charlie
http://www.nsxprime.com/FAQ/Performance/brakelines.htm
Thanks to all for your input. As usual, the forum members' knowledge and experience comes through. This is a great group. I am very proud to be a member, albeit a junior and less experienced one, of this forum.
You all have a great weekend.
Regards
Charlie
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 993
Likes: 4
From: Glen Burnie MD
FWIW, I've got Goodridge (bought from VB&P) on mine. When I originally installed them, I had just flushed the brake lines so the fluid was new (hadn't been intending to get the lines then, but opportunity presented itself). There was a noticeable increase in pedal firmness. HOWEVER - it almost felt like the car took longer to stop afterwards. I don't think it really did, but it just felt that way.
Now I've got front C5 calipers and the pedal is like a rock using Valvoline synthetic brake fluid.
[RICHR]
Now I've got front C5 calipers and the pedal is like a rock using Valvoline synthetic brake fluid.
[RICHR]