Stainless Steel brake lines

[Charles Perry]

Guys,
who has the best SS brake lines? I had a set of Earls and that is the one that failed on me so I am inclined not to buy them again.

[JeffYoung]

I've used Goodrich since I started racing in 04. I have changed them 2 times I think, but that was "chasing" a bad pedal.

Probably a good idea to change them out every 2-3 years I think -- your failure spooked me quite a bit.

[Charles Perry]

Jeff, that is the brand that I had narrowed my search down to but wanted some opinions. Where to buy?
Yep been on fire, pulled the steering wheel off ect but the no brake thing was the scariest!

[seckerich]

Excellent results on Goodridge as well.

[erlrich]

Jeff, that is the brand that I had narrowed my search down to but wanted some opinions. Where to buy?
Yep been on fire, pulled the steering wheel off ect but the no brake thing was the scariest!

I've been running Goodridge (I think that's the brand Jeff & Steve are referring to) on the 240SX since I started tracking it in 2005, with no issues at all. I know I'm overdue to replace them; it's on the list. I bought mine from PDM Racing, but they now only sell their own brand. Tirerack, as well as Buybrakes.com (check out the later's prices on pads while you're there) both carry Goodridge. I don't know about the Z cars, but I do know Wilwood, Russell, and Stop Tech all also have kits for the 240SX, so they may be worth checking into.

[JeffYoung]

Goodridge, yes, that is correct. My bad.

Thanks Earl.

[Charles Perry]

Thanks already ordered them today.

[joeg]

I get them made up at a local hydraulic shop. The flex line is aeroquip; the ends are from a variety of sources.

I originally just gave them stock hoses to duplicate in teflon stainless braid.

If you have a "popular" car, you have many off the shelf options, like goodrich, SSB, etc.

I had SSB duplicate a set of factory hard lines for my last build because the original were getting a bit "crusty". They did a real nice job.

[jimbbski]

I prefer premade hoses, even generic premade over do it yourself hose and hose ends. That being said I do carry some SS hose and fittings with me to the track just in case.

While a hose made just for your car keeps joints to a minimun and possible leaks using generic SS hoses and adaptors means the hoses are cheaper to replace. Cost of the latter is higher due to having to use adaptors but it's cheaper long term.

I never had a true failure but did find a hose damaged/rubbed once in a while. Most times the cause was my fault for poor routing, a broken tywrap which keep the hose out of harms way, or an outside cause such as a something hitting the car due to an "off".

[joeg]

I have had mine for many many years. I just keep a close eye on them.

Also, I am extremely careful not to stretch or twist them when changing pads, calipers, struts or half shafts. I also have them mounted through a stock bracket attached to the strut--always properly supported-- and they are covered in spriral convoluted split nylon tube.

Unless you crash the car, these should last may seasons taking the foregioing preventative measures.

I do not consider them wear items or consumables.

[bonespec]

I had a Goodridge fail on the street after 8 years or so, the SS wasn't protected.

I wanna say I replaced them with Russell lines from Edelbrock, but I no longer have the car.

[billf]

JOEG,

Did you have yours made at SSB or Classic Tube? Didn't know that SSB did custom lines, etc.

Missed you at the meeting last night. Be at the Banquet?

Bill

[joeg]

Bill-Classic Tube--related companies.