At what point does it become advisable to get SS brake lines? I am going to install the Legend Calipers on the front this weekend, and I wanted to know under what situations (scenarios please) might I experience braking problems due to having rubber brake lines.

I understand that rubber brake lines can bulge, but when might I experience that..ie how hard do I have to slam on the brakes to bulge the line, and what is the result going to be?


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Modified by kotetu at 9:25 PM 5/15/2003

 

the brake lines always expand a little bit - you'll just have brakes that feel a little more responsive.

 

Here's my change. The premise behind SS lines is the reduction of compliance (i.e., flex) within the system; since the rubber lines have no bracing (i.e. the steel braids) they will flex more (expand = larger diameter= lower pressure in system = shitty pedal feel) I installed goodridge SS lines on my '99 prelude at ~ 100k miles. The fit, finish, and look are great, but so far, and for the love of small animals, I CANNOT get a decent pedal feel. I've bleed and bleed and bleed and bleed but simpy cannot get a decent pedal; frankly, it was better w/ the OEM lines then it is now w/ the ss lines. I've talked to a number of dealerships about bleeding the ABS system and have been told that it's sealed on the 5th gen preludes, and that they can't flush it out, don't know, but that sounds like horseshit to me. My next step will be to change the M/C and try and brace it as this is where the majority of shitty pedal feel comes from anyway. Regarding your question of when and how ss lines will become beneficial, well, I tracked my prelude in 107 degree ambient temps, and ran it for an hour straight w/out any incident; the MAJORITY of your brake systems failure/weakness lies in the brake pad heat range/compound composition and the condition of your fluid; honda fluid can take a sever beating given it's fresh.

PS- If ANYONE has installed ss lines on a 5th gen and been able to retain a solid pedal, PLEASE share.


Modified by bb6h22a at 4:00 PM 5/14/2003

 

My goodridge SS lines are much more solid than the stock brake lines. If it's air in your ABS system you'll just have to wait for it to migrate out of it. I had a friend who did the NSX conversion and he had to wait 2 weeks for the air to move out of the ABS system so it would come out with the bleeding. No leaks or problems with your master cylinder correct?

 

As far as I know M/C, slave, master, et. al. are good, but will probably change anyway.

 

How about a show of hands:

How many for and against a set of 4(front and rear) SS brake lines for $137??

Thanks

Check out my for sale items.

 

I have to tell you that I bought my Techna-fit SS lines for $80 on a groupbuy. They're exactly like Goodridge and are DOT approved for the street.

 

did you get all 4 front and rear ??

 

I got my tax refund from the fed. I guess I could spend it on brake lines...hrm. I still need to get those Legend rotors. bremo blanks should be around $30-$40 each.

 

Anyone know a place where I can get Brembo Blanks in the range of $30 to $40 each?

 

No where... Brembos for the Prelude or Legend size are going to run you $50-60 each.

 

Goodridge lines on our 5th gen with AEM/Nissin pads and stock rotors-work great at The Glen and Pocono. Street is also excellent. As others have written-the pads and lines together will give a stiffer feel to the pedal.

 

thx

 

I got my brembo blanks off ebay for 36 each for the fronts + shipping.
They're also usually on groupbuycenter.com.

 

thx

I found a local place that will be about that price.