Stainless Steel Brake Lines
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Stainless Steel Brake Lines
Ok, so I have a source for some stainless steel brake line but it's not miata specific and is really long. It's two pieces that I kinda assumed I could get cut into 4 pieces with fittings on the end. Can anyone confirm the ability to do this or know what fittings need to go on the ends for the miata brake lines?
and just curious but what kind of improvement did you guys see with SS brake lines? Even if it's not that big a deal I'll probably be switching to SS brake lines because I've run out of brake line length with all the steering angle I've got, it's pulled taught at full lock and I don't like that too much.
and just curious but what kind of improvement did you guys see with SS brake lines? Even if it's not that big a deal I'll probably be switching to SS brake lines because I've run out of brake line length with all the steering angle I've got, it's pulled taught at full lock and I don't like that too much.
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One thing I won't **** around with is a brake line. I paid $129cnd for my DOT approved brake lines, why take the chance when they are so cheap? You'll probably end up close to that for the 8 fittings you'll need.
I think SS brake lines are mostly placebo.
I think SS brake lines are mostly placebo.
Last edited by jayc72; Apr 3, 2007 at 12:29 PM.
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I ran SS braided lines on my 240sx and you could feel the difference. They wont help actual braking one bit, but they do a crisper job of translating foot action to braking action resulting in a satisfaction reaction.
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I ordered mine through Good-win-racing.com and have zero complaints. I'm not sure how long stock brakelines are supposed to last, but I don't have to worry about it anymore. I'll try and take some pics when I get home. I used some cool orange zip-ties to secure them out of the way and make sure they don't rub. I'm have no data to tell you that they help you stop better, but they do change the feel at the pedal. I guess better modulation would be accurate.
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One more tidbit... spend the money and get ones that have a coating protecting the SS braid. I've seen lines fail from crap under the SS and the combo wearing through the lines.
I won' t personally run a line unless its OEM or SS with a coating to protect the lines.
I won' t personally run a line unless its OEM or SS with a coating to protect the lines.
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I definitely "felt" the difference in the pedal when I switched over to SS lines. Much more crisp, less mushy. Can't say how much it affected performance either, but I like the way the pedal feels.
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Actually, from what I've read, the stainless braided have a shorter lifespan. Something about grit getting into the braids and eventually wearing down the rubber insides part. Not sure how much truth there is to that or not.
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From: vancouver canada
Do what I did,just put heat shrink over the lines to sheild them from dirt and other road debris.
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Zipties FTW
...a friend of mine mentioned to check the brake lines for swelling. Perhaps, as the lines were old they were expanding and absorbing the hydrolic forces that should be going to the brake calipers. Ok....How do you check for that? Replace the lines with new($$$), replace with braided steel lines($$$). No no. he says...use zip ties as a diagnostic tool. ZIP TIES!?...HUH?
Get a bag of high test zip ties(I used 40lb test, 1000 for 10$), zip tie all the lines thoroughly and tightly. The lines have much less ability to expand under load. It took a bit of time, but at a fraction of the cost of the alternatives, it was a cheap way of determining if the brake lines were the cause of my issues.
There was a benefit to all of this though....a firmer brake pedal. This same technique is apparently and old autocross trick. In the "stock" classes very few modifications are allowed. Stainless steel brakelines being one not allowed. What is a racer to do when he wants a better feel on his brakes but cant swap the OEM lines out? Thats right...zip ties. The feel aproxamates steel braided lines and still fit within the scope of the rules. (I *think* the SCCA has plugged up this little loophole)
Get a bag of high test zip ties(I used 40lb test, 1000 for 10$), zip tie all the lines thoroughly and tightly. The lines have much less ability to expand under load. It took a bit of time, but at a fraction of the cost of the alternatives, it was a cheap way of determining if the brake lines were the cause of my issues.
There was a benefit to all of this though....a firmer brake pedal. This same technique is apparently and old autocross trick. In the "stock" classes very few modifications are allowed. Stainless steel brakelines being one not allowed. What is a racer to do when he wants a better feel on his brakes but cant swap the OEM lines out? Thats right...zip ties. The feel aproxamates steel braided lines and still fit within the scope of the rules. (I *think* the SCCA has plugged up this little loophole)
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From: vancouver canada
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