Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

[OffroadX]

I seem to recall a discussion about how dirt and grit can work into the braid and wear on the rubber hose inside. Ring a bell?

Brent

[Kennedy]

Nope... Won't happen.
They consist of the brake line...
The SS braiding of the brake line to "prevent bulging"...
And a soft rubber overlay similar to "plasti-dip" that seals out the dirt.

You can even customize the color of the external coating. I personally will be installing the "clear" type.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by OffroadX
I seem to recall a discussion about how dirt and grit can work into the braid and wear on the rubber hose inside. Ring a bell?

Brent

I remember a discussion, I think on Voy, in which Ian Firth had a theory as to why steel braded lines shouldn't be used offroad. Maybe he will chime in, or maybe my memory is failing me.

I think I paid close to $100 for steel braided lines a couple of years ago when I put them on a Jeep. It sounds like you guys are getting a good deal. I don't really see the need for them on the Xterra. Maybe I will think about it when the rubber lines wear out. But that will probably be years from now.

[Kennedy]

You might find that the tension in the brake line at full articulation is unacceptable... especially if you've lifted.

I'm getting "extended" brake lines that happen to be stainless steel braided.

I think Philo almost broke his rear brake line loose due to the tension in the lines at droop.

You should consider extending your ABS and diff breather tube too.

Just something to consider.

[warmonger]

Originally posted by ScottG


I remember a discussion, I think on Voy, in which Ian Firth had a theory as to why steel braded lines shouldn't be used offroad. Maybe he will chime in, or maybe my memory is failing me.

I have had two Jeeps, one of which was a mud racer (can you say dirt out the @#$). Both had braided stainless steel lines, neither had problems. Theories are great, but practical application says that most off-roaders prefer the braided lines because of the loss of braking power when larger tires are factored in. It really is a matter of deciding what you prefer. But make sure you have facts rather than theory before you decide. I know some pretty hard core off-roaders and every one of them use them. I know I lost some braking power with the new tires and wheels, I can tell. So I am just trying to improve it enough that it isn't so bad. If you are happy with your braking system, that is fine. But before you make a decision like this, educate yourself the same way I did, check with those who use them and those who don't. Find out why for each, get the facts on the item you are researching and make an educated decision. Forget theories, they are opinions in most cases and you have to trust implicitly the person theorizing. I rarely take for gospel someones opinion until I have verified their stance first.

[ScottG]

Originally posted by warmonger


I have had two Jeeps, one of which was a mud racer (can you say dirt out the @#$). Both had braided stainless steel lines, neither had problems. Theories are great, but practical application says that most off-roaders prefer the braided lines because of the loss of braking power when larger tires are factored in. It really is a matter of deciding what you prefer. But make sure you have facts rather than theory before you decide. I know some pretty hard core off-roaders and every one of them use them. I know I lost some braking power with the new tires and wheels, I can tell. So I am just trying to improve it enough that it isn't so bad. If you are happy with your braking system, that is fine. But before you make a decision like this, educate yourself the same way I did, check with those who use them and those who don't. Find out why for each, get the facts on the item you are researching and make an educated decision. Forget theories, they are opinions in most cases and you have to trust implicitly the person theorizing. I rarely take for gospel someones opinion until I have verified their stance first.

I don't have a theory. Like Brent, I was commenting that this subject has been covered before. As for my practical experience with braided stainless steel brake lines, I have them on my Jeep and I can't tell any difference except that they look cool. The only reason I used them was that I needed extra brake line length. My Xterra stops on a dime, and in every comparison test I have read the Xterra was at the top of the field in braking performance. Thus, I don't see the need to start jacking with the brakes. If you want to put stainless steel brake lines on your Xterra; go ahead, knock yourself out!

[ned946]

My SS lines made the pedal feel more firm. Probably (theory!) less expansion compared to the rubber line so more of the pressure goes directly to the pads. I like 'em. My Xterra with its 3K worth of extra weight (....yeah, a bit exagerated) still takes a block and a half to stop but hey, the pedal feels firm!

[Philosopher]

Originally posted by Kennedy

I think Philo almost broke his rear brake line loose due to the tension in the lines at droop.

Wasn't me. I worried about it a bit when I installed the shackles and then the AAl's, but haven't had problems. Still have just enough ...

[warmonger]

Just so you guys who are interested know, I received the brake lines today and they will go out in the mail either tonight or tomorrow. How long it will take Techna-fit will depend on how long it takes the lines to get to them.

[warmonger]

For an update on the lines. Technafit has the lines and they indicated they expected to have trouble with the front lines. Come to find out, the front lines were a cake walk, it was the back line that was the redheaded step child. When I spoke with Stuart yesterday the line was in cad for the new distribution block. It looks like it should come out and be shipped to me by Friday. As soon as I have further info I will let everyone know.

[warmonger]

I now have the braided stainless steel lines from Techna-Fit on my truck. They now have them in-stock for those who are interested in lengthening their brake lines. I noticed a definite pedal difference after the install. Right now I only have the front ones on since the rear one I received was factory length and needed to be 5" longer than factory. They are shipping me a new one now, so I chould have it on within a week or two.

The pedal with the new lines feels a lot stiffer. Braking seems almost crisp compared to what it was. Between that and the cross-drilled rotors and new pads, Project X will stop on a dime and give you back five cents change. The bad side to it is that I have to watch who is behind me now. I already received a customizing job on the rearend from one idiot and now have to watch even harder when I stomp the brake. The Xs brakes are phenomenal to begin with, now they are a monster. If you have installed over-sized tires, I highly recommend making the brake changes I have, it is worth it in my opinion.

[Aussie]

I know they were making the rear, but they are making the fronts as well? Where the fronts any longer than factory?

Thanks
Richard

[warmonger]

I extended them 1" to offset the extra travel. Probably overkill, but better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it. Especially when it comes to brakes. You are welcome to take a look at them when we get to Windrock next week. With the lift in place, the rear is so close that I won't be really comfortable until I have the extended line in place. That probably won't occur until after Windrock though.