this should help with some info for ya Hoodzy
Frequently asked questions about stainless steel brake lines
What are stainless steel brake lines?
There are a number of descriptions of this product, but for our purposes we define this product as follows: stainless steel braided brake lines, are made using teflon hose. Teflon hose has an extruded teflon core, with a stainless steel wire braid around it. The ends are then permanently crimped on each end.
What are DOT approved hoses?
There are many claims of DOT approved hoses. A couple of items to note. If the hoses are claimed to be DOT approved, a good way to confirm this is to ask for a DOT number. If they actually are DOT approved, they will have a DOT number issued to them. Most hoses are what they call DOT certified, which means that they meet or exceed the Dot certification that is outlined in FMVSS 106 specifications. This means that they have been tested in accordance with those specifications and submitted to the Department of Highway Transportation for recognition. These tests are done independently of the DOT.
Why use stainless steel brake lines?
There are some advantages to using stainless steel brake lines; one is reduced volumetric expansion. Overtime and under continuous use, OEM rubber lines can swell and expand, exposing the driver to brake fade. The rubber cover is also vulnerable to attacks from the ozone layer (rubber deteriorates and causes a failure). In extreme applications (Auto X, racing, hard riving) rubber hoses might susceptible to debris, thus causing failure. Stainless steel hoses give some protection from these issues.
In some applications, where you have modified your vehicle (lowered, raised, or changed some major part, I.E. calipers) your only option is have custom lines made for your application. Also, in some cases it is hard to obtain OEM style rubber lines for some older applications.
Why get lines that have a plastic cover on them?
Having a plastic cover over the stainless steel lines gives added protection from flying debris; it also gives some abrasion protection from the line rubbing on suspension parts, in extreme braking conditions, with full compression (most movement of line).
As for the install, it's pretty easy. You'll need a buddy to bleed the brakes after installing the lines, but thats the hardest part...and even thats really easy. It could be done in a day by a beginner with a service manual at hand.
Not really pointless, the fronts do do most of the braking, and well, if the budget says only 2 for now, then it's not too terribly bad to wait to do the other 2 later. But it is best to do all 4 to keep consistent pedal feel and get the full benefit of the SS lines.
Even for a daily driver, SS lines are helpfull. Having a better pedal feel for feedback helps alot with braking. It won't make you stop any faster, but helps alot with braking with better control.
cons...? not really. I have never compared prices to OEM lines, but i'd hazard a guess they are close or less than OEM...thats all i can really think of. I guess install can have a drastic effect as well, but that doesn't really have to do with the lines.
Just make sure you check and dbl check all bolts/nuts/screws are tight and have been put back in the proper places (no left over parts!!
) and that the lines have proper clearance and follow the steps for bleeding the brakes, you'll have many trouble free years of operation.
Will have the cash on the 8th