I'm looking for your opinion here
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 1,249
Likes: 142
From: Lynn MA
I'm looking for your opinion here
I'm getting my brake fluid replaced, it's pretty nasty. My car is 20 years old and I don't know it's history but I'm thinking of replacing the brake hoses with stainless braided hoses. The hoses on there now are probably as old as the car so is it in my best interest to go the braided route ? Please tell me what you think or personal experiences.
Pro
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 590
Likes: 134
From: Hanover Maryland
Sure, yeah. Go for it.
If you've got the cash to spare, it's a decent mod. If not, inspect regularly. Rubber hoses don't randomly explode, they deteriorate, and that takes a long time. Or they get sliced by some foreign object.
Basically, take a look and see, or just replace them. The brake bleed itself is whats going to get you better brake feel, SS lines mainly help with thermal expansion if you're tracking/really hard on the brakes.
If you've got the cash to spare, it's a decent mod. If not, inspect regularly. Rubber hoses don't randomly explode, they deteriorate, and that takes a long time. Or they get sliced by some foreign object.
Basically, take a look and see, or just replace them. The brake bleed itself is whats going to get you better brake feel, SS lines mainly help with thermal expansion if you're tracking/really hard on the brakes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: Havre de Grace Maryland
I asked my go to Corvette mechanic about doing the same switch you considering replacing the brake lines after buying my car. He inspected my original break lines on my 04 and gave me the 
There is nothing wrong. Then he said, it is your money if you want to replace them, he will do. That was almost 5 years ago and still have the same break lines. I always go by the words of wisdom, if it ain't broke don't fix it. But it your choice and money.
There is nothing wrong. Then he said, it is your money if you want to replace them, he will do. That was almost 5 years ago and still have the same break lines. I always go by the words of wisdom, if it ain't broke don't fix it. But it your choice and money.
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I just changed the flex lines on my '02 using StopTech stainless flex lines I purchased from Amazon. Stainless lines do tend to be more expensive, but I believe they are worth the extra cost. I also use them on my '93 autocross car. I would also suggest to the OP that he consider using Speed Bleeders on the calipers. These make the bleeding job something that one person can do alone and keeps the mess to a minimum.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 675
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From: Green Oak Township, Michigan
Problem with rubber brake lines is that they swell up on the inside. Friend of mine had a 62 Corvette and he kept saying that his brakes were dragging. Sure enough,, the front hoses were not releasing. Degraded on the inside. Outsides were sort of...
'"sticky".. I would say that after 20 years of old fluid., change them.. They dont cost that much, and you will have to change them sometime anyway. Brakes areabout the only thing that you dont want to skimp out on.
'"sticky".. I would say that after 20 years of old fluid., change them.. They dont cost that much, and you will have to change them sometime anyway. Brakes areabout the only thing that you dont want to skimp out on.
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From: Cunningham, TN
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If you’re flushing the fluid out anyways, why not go ahead and upgrade to the stainless lines while your at it?
It’s not a huge investment, and peace of mind knowing your lines are new and good to go.
It’s not a huge investment, and peace of mind knowing your lines are new and good to go.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2015
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From: San Jose, CA
I did not feel any difference on the street when replacing my stock hoses with SS hoses (as part of a big upgrade).
If you are gonna DIY, it's not expensive. Probably $130 or so?
If you pay for it to be done, ask how much the shop is gonna charge. You may easily find $130 in parts cost inflates to like $400 with labor charged per corner. I wouldn't spend $400 on it unless you know it's needed.
With fresh fluid, are you feeling any issues? If not, don't worry.
If you are gonna DIY, it's not expensive. Probably $130 or so?
If you pay for it to be done, ask how much the shop is gonna charge. You may easily find $130 in parts cost inflates to like $400 with labor charged per corner. I wouldn't spend $400 on it unless you know it's needed.
With fresh fluid, are you feeling any issues? If not, don't worry.