Hey guys, I'd like to know what you guys think about stainless steel brake lines. I've upgraded my front brakes to the legend 2 pistons recently and I'm not satisfied with my pedal feel. I know that upgrading to stainless steel brake lines will improve the stiffness of the pedal because older rubber brake lines can be corroded and expand, hence softer pedal.

My question is...for about $110 for a full set, are they worth it? Are they easy to install? There are quite some brands out there, Goodridge, RussellTechna Fit, StopTech..which one is better and why? And because I have the upgraded calipers, the integra brake lines aren't quite long enough (to even flip up the caliper), should I be buying SS lines for a Legend instead?

 

EDIT: just realized you are talking about the rubber lines and not hardlines. In that case, go for it. Your lines are old, and like you said will expand under pressure. But I am going to leave this information up for anyone thinking about replacing their hardlines with SS lines.:


They look nice... That's about it. People think that it makes it work better, but truth is, when replacing ANY hard lines, you must make the line the exact same lenth as the factory line, that's including bends and everything. The fluid must travel the same distance as it would have in a factory line. And those bends are put in for a reason. I think people only do SS lines for style points...

 

Did you like the pedal feel before you upgraded?

 

To see a difference, you should also run a QUALITY brake fluid as well.

Motul for example. The response will improve with the SS Lines and a better than generic brake fluid with those calipers.

Are you running good brake pads too? Or just parts store factory stuff? That will also change the feel in general at least

 

^^ never ran that brake fluid, but higher quality brake fluid will not affect pedal feel or application, they are only less likely to break down under high heat conditions. One company did a test of generic fluid vs their fluid, first just normal braking conditions, 100-0 and 60-0 about 10 times and there was no difference, until they ran it HARD on a track for several hours straight and then redid the tests, and the higher end brake fluid did better the second time around. I'll look for the article.

But what I am trying to say is, DOT3 is DOT3 no matter what. Unless you have a hardcore track/scca car, there is no need to run expensive fluid.

 

^that is correct. I'm not going to be tracking my car where the fluid reaches boiling temp. I'm running hawk hps pads and valvoline synthetic dot 3 & 4.

I actually did like the pedal a little more before I upgraded, not sure if it has a difference being one or two piston.

For $110, I'm not quite sure wheter or not to buy these SS brake lines as a Christmas present for myself lol. I have this on my list, ebay ITR spoiler, or 22MM ITR rear sway bar. Not sure which to buy first this year =/

 

The 2 pot pistons may be the cause of the pedal feel, because the fluid is being further dispersed. Just a guess. For that price, replacing the rubber brake lines may be wise.

 

ss lines can make your pedal too stiff and it feels like you really have to step on it for it to stop.

also read of ss line rupturing, but i havent heard of oem rubber lines failing.

i wouldnt hesitate to use Russell Stainless Steel brake lines, i like their clutch hoses.