Newb Qsn: Are all steel brake lines the same?

[overl0ad]

hi, i was looking at the subaru site and noticed that the STi steel brake lines are about err... just really expensive. then there are heaps more all over the place for less than 1/2 the price.

but has anyone ever actually come across anything that says how much pressure it will take before they expand like a straw?

i think that's the only real way to work out if one hose is better than another. rite?

options appreciated.

ps. but there's really only so much pressure u can put on a hose b4 everything else gives up from the pressure...

[gil_ong81]

NNB, what'd i tell you? brake pads first, and if that's insufficient, then consider brake lines. i replaced mine only cos they were old.

but if you must go in that direction, grab a set of Goodridge lines (PN 24216 for the Leggy).

[Wiscon_Mark]

I can't see them being a problem unless you go heavy duty upgrading with the master cylinder or something.

Gil is right, add hawk hps pads or something.

[gil_ong81]

anything thing to consider is to not load up the car and have fatty in it at the same time.

[backpack09]

All hard lines are the same. They will never burst unless they are rusted out.

That is part of the reason that you have rubber lines, to both expand when pedal pressure would simply lock up the brakes (gee thanks) and also to absorb some of the vibration that makes it back to the pedal.

If you have squishy brakes, first easiest thing is to bleed all of your brakes with good synthetic fluid. This will fix a lot of the squish, as brake fluid actually sucks water in through the lines. The water is more compressible (even though it is a liquid aswell) than brake fluid. Leading to squishyness.

Also check to make sure you are not shooting fluid past the seals on you master cylinder (look for dripping fluid)

If that does not satisfy your needs, step up to some nice braided lines. This will give you more pedal feel and reduce the ballooning of the soft lines.

After you go with braided lines, if you still have a problem. I would suspect your bleeding technique needs some addressing.

[Huffer]

What tyres is the Aussie 2.5 Legacy rolling on? I'd upgrade those before the brakes.

Stock brakes are fine, if you have the traction down.

[Wiscon_Mark]

He's not having a problem with the brakes, his car has barely 1500km on it.

[backpack09]

Sorry... Without any info in his sig I have no idea what car I'm trying to help with :smt011

[overl0ad]

reason y i'm thinkign about them is on a hot day(40C - no idea what this is in F)

the brakes feel soft. like spongy. i don't think that there's water/vapour in the lines cos the car is new. but it's not impossible tho.

my guess is that the lines are getting hot from the heat and getting soft.

but pads are a definate. just trying to think ahead i guess.

[rougeben83]

Bleed the lines. Air might be there. Air expands as temp goes up, so you you have more compresibility in the lines (ie. it takes more force on the pedal to get the same amount of braking force at the caliper).

[Huffer]

Quick question - after you launch your car (as mentioned in your other threads) - do you then stomp on the brake repeatedly?

OEM brake fluid is not a performance fluid, so under extreme conditions and abuse, it will boil and become ineffective.

[overl0ad]

nope. engine brake.

[overl0ad]

just wondering...

why would i do a race dump (as everyone thinks i do) then stop on the brakes?

the issue is when the car has been parked under the hot sun. it's summer in australia now. the ambient temp is 104F. the raod remp would be higher by my n00bis thinking.

i get in car. and the brakes just feel squish.

if the ambient temp is 77F. the brakes feel much more positive.

this experience is from starting the car. letting it warm for approx 4 or 5 mins (the amount of time to take a smoke, the type you have after a long day in the office. so it's not a rush smoke.) get in the car. put right foot on brakes while left foot is stepping on the clutch pedal. brake pedal feels soft and squishy under the right foot.

the car has done approx 15mm (half an inch) of movement since i started the car in the last 8 or so hours.

i understand that crazy braking can mess up the fluids, but i know i don't tend to slam on the brakes or brake hard.

i drive in peak hour traffic 45mins each way to work daily. don't really need to be slamming on the brakes when i'm doing 5mph.

i've also checked the fluids. they are clear and topped up.

i think i will look at investing in some pads over the next few months, then some steel lines over the next 6 to 12 months.

[backpack09]

brake pedal feels soft and squishy under the right foot.



Well there is your problem the clutch is under your left foot :grin: :grin: :grin:

Pads have zero to do with a squishy brake pedal. They will not solve your "problem"

[gil_ong81]

let's talk over the phone in a few days after i get settled a little in the house.