Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines

[Das Blitz]

Does anyone have experience with any of these? Are they worth the investment? Do they make a difference?

Goodridge G-Stop Brakeline Kit (http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakes.jsp?&make=Goodridge&model=G-Stop+Brakeline+Kit&group=G-Stop+Brakeline+Kit&autoMake=Audi&autoModel=A4+2.0T+Quattro&autoYear=2006&autoModClar=Premium+Package+Without+TPMS&perfCode=S)

Stoptech stainless steel brake lines (http://www.stoptech.com/products/stainless_steal_lines.shtml)

ECS Tuning stainless steel brake lines (http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/pagebuild_v2.cgi?make=Audi&engine=2.0T&model=B7%20A4&submodel=Quattro&category=Braking&subcategory=Lines)

[RAudi Driver]

I have the Goodrich on my other car and they're great. Very quality product and a good way to stiffen up the pedal.

[dpatel]

^^^ especially if you track the car..

[pms]

So the next question on your lips should be "Why don't the manufacturers just build the cars with stainless steel braided lines to begin with?"

First of all, keep in mind that braided brake lines are basically rubber brake lines with an outer layer of braided steel. The braided steel offers greater initial and retains longer resistant to expansion than the plain rubber lines, but inside the lines are basically the same.

Well, one obvious reason they are not on everyone's car is cost, and the fact that they deliver a minor amount of additional performance that very few potential customers would appreciate.

But more importantly than that, stainless steel braided lines tend to wear more quickly and less visibly than your standard rubber brake lines. Dirt and chemicals get inside the braided outer layer and then get trapped against the rubber where they can result in the rubber abrading more quickly.

Likewise, the braided outer layer can wreak havoc on any surface it comes in contact with...especially other rubber lines. You have to be very careful how you route a braided line because if it is allowed to vibrate against another surface it will chew through it like a dremel tool on crystal meth.

So, yes, braided lines do offer an advantage over older rubber lines, but if you decide to go that route, be sure to check the lines often for signs of leaks or abrasion on other nearby surfaces.

[Das Blitz]

Thx pms. Very informative. I think I can live without it.[up]

[AWDTurboLuvr]

I have the Stoptechs and they are great. They also have a clear rubber coating over the steel lines to prevent abrasions on other surfaces and dirt from getting in.

[jza80]

^ +1 on the stoptech. Very good quality and fit.