Re: Stainless Brake Lines
Quote:
Originally posted by larry47us
When I first bought my 73E, I was told the car had Stainless Steel Brake Lines. Now I am told that they aren't stainless, but are new rubber, put on about 2 years ago when the brake system was totally overhauled. (all new rubber brake lines, new master cylinder, rebuilt calipers and new pads all around.)
My wrench said that since he said that they were stainless, he would do that if I wanted. But, he said that new rubber is more original, and that there is always the chance that the stainless will get kinked, dented or damaged. He suggested leaving it rubber.
What do you guys think? Should I leave it Rubber, or have him change them out for stainless?
larry
Larry,
Recently on Pleican there was thread on this topic.
Part of the decision rests in what you like to see.
Stainless Steel gives you a racer look, but the percieved performance enhancement is debatable. Some will argue that SS lines do not swell as much and give a better brake pedal. The concensus view is that, unless you are Michael Schumacher, you probably can't tell.
As noted by others, SS lines require more "maintenance" in the form of frequent inspection and replacement. All Teflon tubing is extremely "kink" sensitive. If you kink the line, the tubing becomes very weak at that point and is prone to catastrophic failure. As a result, routing becomes critical and you need to support the tube as well.
If it was me, I would stay with the rubber, and spend my money on somethng truly useful.