Braided brake lines

[DaveHAT]

This is a question to all those who have changed the OEM brake lines to braided on their cars.

1. Do you REALLY think it made any measurable/quantifiable difference?

2. When changing to braided brake lines, did you swap only the 4 lines to the calipers or all 6 of the rubber hoses? (i.e there are 2 more running each side of the rear K frame to the body)

I am curious as to any findings from people who've been down this Rd .The reason I ask is that my OEM brakes feel rock hard already and the only other car I have driven with upgraded brakes still had the rubber lines fitted and felt :bow: :bow: underfoot to say the least.

Thinking of doing this on my brakes but I don't really see the point if it doesn't make any difference.

10Q ! :)

[BOMI]

I never have Dave but had a mate who did it years ago and rated it highly.

I guess if you remove the brake line flex then that has to go into the pistons.

Will be interesting to see what will come outa this thread.

Troy :)

[35R]

I have the braided hoses (all 6) - but i couldnt say if it makes a material difference to brake pedal feel or performance, as i was changing the whole brake system at the time

I would like to know also..

[seldo]

It doesn't improve performance one iota, but it will improve feel, esp if your OE lines are a bit tired and flexing. I think most people would be hard pressed to really notice, but if you've spent the money already there's a huge psychological improvement...;)

[Aeron]

From what I understand the rubber lines can expand when they get too hot. Braded lines do not.

[DaveHAT]

It doesn't improve performance one iota, but it will improve feel, esp if your OE lines are a bit tired and flexing. I think most people would be hard pressed to really notice, but if you've spent the money already there's a huge psychological improvement...;)

Oh yeah and what experience do you base that on and how the hell would you know ... you drive a bloody luxury car ! :stick:

:lmao: :lol: :D

[NickS]

From what I understand the rubber lines can expand when they get too hot. Braded lines do not.

That's correct, but as seldo said all this does is reduce pedal feel, not performance ... flexing hoses doesn't make the brakes any less efficient, it just makes the pedal spongy.

I have big brakes on 3 different cars, 1 has braided lines, 2 don't. IMO the best brakes of the lot are the factory E Series HSV brakes with the rubber hoses, may be a different story on the track but on the road there is no noticeable difference.

IMO ... if you were having major sinking pedal problems at the track it would be worth giving them a shot, otherwise they are only useful for the wank factor. Of course that's often reason enough.

:D

[Ryzz]

IMO the best brakes of the lot are the factory E Series HSV brakes with the rubber hosesYou reckon they are that good ey mate?

[NickS]

You reckon they are that good ey mate?

Abso-floggin-lutely ... bloody sensational. I reckon you can get top aftermarket stuff but nothing ever feels quite as good as something that came perfected from the factory. That's why I can't believe that guys are lowering these new E Series HSVs ... I would never touch the suspension / brakes on that car, it is seriously that good from the factory.

[35R]

I'll tell you why i went braided lines... I was buying a brake package that was costing $4k~$5k.. with some track use. There was this same question about braided lines (should I get them?) however the incremental cost was a relatively small sum. If you're going to the trouble of spending that sort of time and money (upgrading brake systems) i dont see why you wouldnt do it really (it would always be on your mind if you didnt). Plus a lot of kits come supplied with braided lines anyway. As a stand-alone "upgrade" I am not so sure though.

[NickS]

I'll tell you why i went braided lines... I was buying a brake package that was costing $4k~$5k.. with some track use. There was this same question about braided lines (should I get them?) however the incremental cost was a relatively small sum. If you're going to the trouble of spending that sort of time and money (upgrading brake systems) i dont see why you wouldnt do it really (it would always be on your mind if you didnt). Plus a lot of kits come supplied with braided lines anyway. As a stand-alone "upgrade" I am not so sure though.

Basically what I was getting at Dunc ... if you are upgrading for track use then I would get them (and I did). If you don't do circuit work and are expecting a difference on the road, you will most likely be disappointed.

[Brockfan05]

I would say it's a definite track day mod - consistant brake pedal feel is a must if you are pressing on at 10/10ths. Does give a solid feel for the street too, but as has been said, probably not all that necessary....

[RBS MATT]

I just can't help myself :) but in the end it is your own preference.
Rubber lines on new cars do feel fine as they have not worn or deteriorated as yet but over time they will.When replacing with braided lines you are guaranteed longevity as they do not crack and brake down internally like rubber lines do. They do firm the pedal up to some degree no doubt especially when the old soft worn scraggy rubber lines are replaced but will not solve all low pedal problems like i am often asked .Last but not least braided hoses do look better .