Author Topic: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese  (Read 3347 times)

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Offline neil68

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Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« on: January 27, 2014, 09:29:48 PM »
So, I've just completed the swap to four-wheel disc brakes on my '68.  Since the Beetle still has the original factory rubber brake lines, I'm probably going to replace them (45-year-old rubber hose is probably going to cause a problem at some point in the future).

I have located stainless steel aftermarket kits (eg. Bugpack) and also rubber "stock style" replacement hose by Euromax, which I believe is Made in China.

Any experience or recommendations with these or other brands?

It's a Street/strip Beetle, with sudden deceleration after the 1/4-mile (short turn-out road exit), plus city driving.

Thanks.
Neil
Der Kleiner Rennwagens
'68 Beetle 2332 cc
12.6 sec at 109 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF2gCti3dro

Offline Chris

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #1 on: January 27, 2014, 09:46:46 PM »
From what I remember, the rule was to avoid the braided lines with daily drivers because of the risk of breakdown from the elements but the rubber lines do the same....

Offline owdlvr

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #2 on: January 27, 2014, 10:18:31 PM »
Old school thinking on the Stainless lines was that they don't show the internal fatigue like a rubber line does when it blisters or cracks. In the late 80's and early 90's there were a tonne of badly crimped stainless lines which lead to the whole "must be DOT approved" thinking. The truth is most people don't even inspect their rubber lines enough, and the stainless steel braided lines last very well these days.

Neil, you're someone who is going to notice / feel a difference in braking well before the average-joe. You're also someone who will actually look to see if you might have a problem. I'd definitely recommend Stainless lines for your ride. They will last longer, and they do provide an ever-so-slightly firmer pedal. You'll like 'em.

Note they will rub through and wear ANYTHING they touch/rub against. So ziptie some vacuum line over sections that rub against the body or suspension.

-Dave
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'71 Type 1 - Rally Car Project
'75 Type 1 - Heirloom
'95 F150 - Unfortunate daily driver...

Offline neil68

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2014, 10:06:20 PM »
Thanks, gentleman.  I appreciate the detailed information.
Neil
Der Kleiner Rennwagens
'68 Beetle 2332 cc
12.6 sec at 109 mph
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FF2gCti3dro

Offline buddy boy

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #4 on: January 30, 2014, 04:22:49 PM »
Last summer i went to the SS braided lines and noticed a defference , ill just inspect them with oil changes

"only dead fish swim with the stream"

Offline owdlvr

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #5 on: January 30, 2014, 07:03:04 PM »
Lol. Pretty sure you can't abuse them more then I do :)

No problems on the rally beetle!

-Dave
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'75 Type 1 - Heirloom
'95 F150 - Unfortunate daily driver...

Offline Jeremy

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #6 on: January 30, 2014, 08:36:14 PM »
I've got four wheel disc's. SS lines. Bug stops on a dime.
'59 Beetle
'59 Single Cab

Offline silas

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #7 on: January 30, 2014, 09:35:44 PM »
Lol. Pretty sure you can't abuse them more then I do :)

you obviously haven't witnessed jaga lay the beat down on the hose…it's relentless!  ;) ;D

i'll post another vote for ss lines. i installed all ss braided & hard lines in my 64 almost 4 years ago during my chassis rebuild. no leaks, firm pedal, great feel, and lots of miles (pretty much daily in the spring/summer/early fall) including a trip to cali, a few to seattle and lots to the island. looks hawt too…!  :cool:


Offline Bruce

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #8 on: February 18, 2014, 06:35:47 PM »
I know of one Airspeed member who's had a catastrophic failure with the aftermarket SS lines.
My thinking is that I use stock items unless they don't do the job.  For me, stock hoses work fine.
Go to the Samba and look up user "antonio trejo" and ask him to quote you a price for a set of genuine VW hoses from VW of Mexico.

Offline Geoff

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Re: Stainless Steel Brake Lines or Stock Chinese
« Reply #9 on: March 19, 2014, 01:03:54 PM »
I've run stainless hoses since 1995 and no issue. Great pedal feel as well