Braided Brake Hose
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Braided Brake Hose
I'm getting ready to put on some braided brake hoses. I got a set from Ecklers, but I've never heard of the company that makes them,
"Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes Inc." In looking at their web site,
the hoses for C4's are not listed, so I think these are made just for Ecklers.
Do anyone of you guys know about these? Are they any good, or Junk?
"Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes Inc." In looking at their web site,
the hoses for C4's are not listed, so I think these are made just for Ecklers.
Do anyone of you guys know about these? Are they any good, or Junk?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
They probably just buy parts in bulk and assemble.
They won't be buying the quality $ pieces either.
You can't go wrong with a full set of Earl's lines for $90 from Summit.
They won't be buying the quality $ pieces either.
You can't go wrong with a full set of Earl's lines for $90 from Summit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 9,036
Likes: 13
From: Edmonton AB
Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes, Inc.
14364 SW 139 Court
Miami, FL 33186
www.cssbinc.com
Judging from the product range on their website, this company
primarily serves the C1-C3 market. They list a braided hose set
for 63-82 (RBH1S2S) but I don't see anything for C4's, either.
Is there a chance that the wrong item was shipped? You might
want to check with CSSB to ask whether they make C4 items
and you could try asking whether they build or buy their SS hose.
Visit the C1-C3 forums to ask for opinions there about CSSB.
If you decide to return your hoses to Ecklers, another well regarded
source besides Earl's is Goodridge, available from TireRack and others.
Incidently, read any claims about DOT approval closely. Also, research
the lifespan of SS hose, relative to conventional OEM hose and
decide on what replacement cycle you should follow - I've decided
on five years.
.
14364 SW 139 Court
Miami, FL 33186
www.cssbinc.com
Judging from the product range on their website, this company
primarily serves the C1-C3 market. They list a braided hose set
for 63-82 (RBH1S2S) but I don't see anything for C4's, either.
Is there a chance that the wrong item was shipped? You might
want to check with CSSB to ask whether they make C4 items
and you could try asking whether they build or buy their SS hose.
Visit the C1-C3 forums to ask for opinions there about CSSB.
If you decide to return your hoses to Ecklers, another well regarded
source besides Earl's is Goodridge, available from TireRack and others.
Incidently, read any claims about DOT approval closely. Also, research
the lifespan of SS hose, relative to conventional OEM hose and
decide on what replacement cycle you should follow - I've decided
on five years.
.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 34,873
Likes: 487
From: Lacey WA RVN 68-69
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Get Earl's or Goodrige hoses. Stay away from the Russell hose as those are pretty poor quality. Russell hoses are shorter than the others and that can be an issue if the suspension (especially the rear) extends to the travel limits.
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by Slalom4me
Corvette Stainless Steel Brakes, Inc.
14364 SW 139 Court
Miami, FL 33186
www.cssbinc.com
Judging from the product range on their website, this company
primarily serves the C1-C3 market. They list a braided hose set
for 63-82 (RBH1S2S) but I don't see anything for C4's, either.
Is there a chance that the wrong item was shipped? You might
want to check with CSSB to ask whether they make C4 items
and you could try asking whether they build or buy their SS hose.
Visit the C1-C3 forums to ask for opinions there about CSSB.
If you decide to return your hoses to Ecklers, another well regarded
source besides Earl's is Goodridge, available from TireRack and others.
Incidently, read any claims about DOT approval closely. Also, research
the lifespan of SS hose, relative to conventional OEM hose and
decide on what replacement cycle you should follow - I've decided
on five years.
.
14364 SW 139 Court
Miami, FL 33186
www.cssbinc.com
Judging from the product range on their website, this company
primarily serves the C1-C3 market. They list a braided hose set
for 63-82 (RBH1S2S) but I don't see anything for C4's, either.
Is there a chance that the wrong item was shipped? You might
want to check with CSSB to ask whether they make C4 items
and you could try asking whether they build or buy their SS hose.
Visit the C1-C3 forums to ask for opinions there about CSSB.
If you decide to return your hoses to Ecklers, another well regarded
source besides Earl's is Goodridge, available from TireRack and others.
Incidently, read any claims about DOT approval closely. Also, research
the lifespan of SS hose, relative to conventional OEM hose and
decide on what replacement cycle you should follow - I've decided
on five years.
.
Thanks, Randy
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,566
Likes: 4
From: Mt Laurel NJ
St. Jude Donor '06-'07
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
They're probably just fine. It's just that I don't ever gamble on parts when it comes to stuff like brakes.
Well, WTF does that mean? I don't want to gamble on brake hoses either, and I don't think I am. I mean, if Mid America sells it, it HAS to be good, right? Maybe the other places sell for less, but these still have to be up to the job, Right?
You know, just because I did not buy them from the same place as you, or some one else, does not make it junk.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Originally Posted by RandyJ75
If Mid America sells it, it HAS to be good, right?
NO.
Mid America sells anything that people will buy, junk or not.
But the brake lines I see pictured in their catalog look like Goodridge lines, and the price looks right for Goodridge.
Many of the manufacturers make parts for other vendors, where the only difference is the logo. This may be the case for your lines. I just hate buying things not knowing who made them.I also used clear shrink wrap over my stainless braided hoses. This will keep out fine grit and carbon dust which can eventually chew through the fragile teflon tubing after it makes its way through the braids. I haven't seen this done anywhere else, so maybe I'm just insane.
You know, just because I did not buy them from the same place as you, or some one else, does not make it junk.
Last edited by CentralCoaster; Jun 3, 2006 at 09:39 PM.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I didn't mean to open up any controversy with my inquiry.
Sorry about that guys.
Much like Central Coaster, I'm kind of picky about what I put on my Corvette. I'm sure most of us are.
My reason for this thread is from recieving my CSSB lines and seeing how small the lines were compared to OEM, and how small the holes appeared in the fittings on the end.
RandyJ75... I'm also sure the CSSB lines are fine. For MOST users.
I'm just one of those guys that gets just a little too worried about
things. That's why I brought this all up.
One thing's for sure, I'd like to know where Central Coaster got the clear shrink tubing to keep crud out of the braids of SS.
Sorry about that guys.
Much like Central Coaster, I'm kind of picky about what I put on my Corvette. I'm sure most of us are.
My reason for this thread is from recieving my CSSB lines and seeing how small the lines were compared to OEM, and how small the holes appeared in the fittings on the end.
RandyJ75... I'm also sure the CSSB lines are fine. For MOST users.
I'm just one of those guys that gets just a little too worried about
things. That's why I brought this all up.
One thing's for sure, I'd like to know where Central Coaster got the clear shrink tubing to keep crud out of the braids of SS.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,284
Likes: 51
From: Jacksonville, FL
St. Jude Donor '08 thru '26
Originally Posted by corvette_bob
One thing's for sure, I'd like to know where Central Coaster got the clear shrink tubing to keep crud out of the braids of SS.
I like that idea! I'd like to know also.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
Speaking of standard flex lines. Just wondering what problems they can cause other than leaking or closing down and cloging. Can they expand to much internally, cause fluid displacement of do some other strange effect.
As for the clear shrink tubing. That can at a electronics store but not a place like radioshack. It's got to be more of a commercial business like a distributor.
I checked out the Earl's brake lines and they look different at the end that would connect to the chasis, what am I looking at?
Found this site on brake lines. Some good technical info.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999...ssbrakesp1.asp
As for the clear shrink tubing. That can at a electronics store but not a place like radioshack. It's got to be more of a commercial business like a distributor.
I checked out the Earl's brake lines and they look different at the end that would connect to the chasis, what am I looking at?
Found this site on brake lines. Some good technical info.
http://www.corvettemagazine.com/1999...ssbrakesp1.asp
Last edited by pcolt94; Jun 5, 2006 at 09:36 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
Many of the DOT approved lines usually have a spring reinforcement on one end. If the line is too short, it causes extra flex at the fitting and breaks the fitting off. A proper length line doesn't need these.
Earl's sells brake line with a pvc coating, but I don't see any info on it. And it's just for raw tubing.
I bought some 1/2" clear shrink tubing from mcmaster.com, it was barely big enough to fit over the ends of the universal Speedy-flex lines. It wouldn't work on a pre-made kit unless you can unscrew the fat banjo fittings to slide it on.
I shrunk em over my toaster. I don't have a clue though how much heat the brake lines are good for, or what temp the shrink wrap shrinks at, but it was too hot to handle bare handed.
Earl's sells brake line with a pvc coating, but I don't see any info on it. And it's just for raw tubing.
I bought some 1/2" clear shrink tubing from mcmaster.com, it was barely big enough to fit over the ends of the universal Speedy-flex lines. It wouldn't work on a pre-made kit unless you can unscrew the fat banjo fittings to slide it on.
I shrunk em over my toaster. I don't have a clue though how much heat the brake lines are good for, or what temp the shrink wrap shrinks at, but it was too hot to handle bare handed.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
I shrunk em over my toaster. I don't have a clue though how much heat the brake lines are good for, or what temp the shrink wrap shrinks at, but it was too hot to handle bare handed.
By the way, heat shrink guns have come down alot over the years. You can get them like at Harbor Freight for $10 on sale.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
Likes: 25
From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
I also had to put some toast in, since my 'smart' toaster won't stay down with nothing in it. 
I do have that exact heat gun now.
I usually use a lighter for the small tubing.
I do have that exact heat gun now.I usually use a lighter for the small tubing.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 1,997
Likes: 1
From: Lake Ozark MO
I've got the Earl's SS lines along with PFZ pads (which dust ALOT). A quick blast of brake cleaner is all that is needed to make the lines look new again ( I do it while cleaning the inner wheel rims).
Putting clear tubing over the lines kinda smacks of "plastic over the furniture" that grandma is so fond of
Putting clear tubing over the lines kinda smacks of "plastic over the furniture" that grandma is so fond of
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
I just got off the horn with Doug Rippie(himself!)
and during the conversation, I asked him about my concerns of the CSSB product, and he gave me info that made me feel better. So I'm gonna use them.
Also, he put me on with Randy, the brake guy, and he told me it's not worth the trouble to cycle the ABS pump as there's only about a teaspoon of fluid in there. In his words,"It's not worth the time and trouble. Just bleed it like a normal system."
and during the conversation, I asked him about my concerns of the CSSB product, and he gave me info that made me feel better. So I'm gonna use them.
Also, he put me on with Randy, the brake guy, and he told me it's not worth the trouble to cycle the ABS pump as there's only about a teaspoon of fluid in there. In his words,"It's not worth the time and trouble. Just bleed it like a normal system."
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 5,621
Likes: 206
From: Orlando FL
That's interseting info about the ABS. Been looking for some first hand information on it and there really is not much to find. I'll take anything, for the ABS seems to be an part with illusive information.
I did give a call to CSSB yesterday and they did tell me they did not have the C4 information on the web site and you could buy directly from them. It was 99 + shipping and tax if your in FL.
I'm afraid to ask but who is Doug Rippie?
I did give a call to CSSB yesterday and they did tell me they did not have the C4 information on the web site and you could buy directly from them. It was 99 + shipping and tax if your in FL.
I'm afraid to ask but who is Doug Rippie?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 1,408
Likes: 13
From: Dayton, Ohio
Originally Posted by pcolt94
I'm afraid to ask but who is Doug Rippie?
Check this out
http://www.dougrippie.com/
DRM is a pretty well known racer, tuner for corvettes.
Quality stuff
