I want to upgrade my brakes with Stainless Steel lines, my calipers are stock on my 00' Z28. Who sells the OE SS lines for stock Z28 calipers for an LS1?

 

Several of the sponsors of this board sell brake lines. Click on the Supporting Vendor Index link above.

 

I'm not sold on SS lines. How are you going to know when the inside lining is getting worn, besides when it sqirts the fluid out instead of braking?

 

I always understood the Stainless Steel lines were of better quality over our stock rubber lines. I'm definitely not an expert on brake lines, but on all the upgraded brake packages such as Brembo and Wilwood use the SS lines, why would they use them if not higher quality in braking power and lasting quality.

Is this a major known problem with the SS, with them getting easily worn and fluid leaks?

 

They're included for better pedal feel.
Even if they do last longer, how will you know if something is wrong with them if you can't see it until it is too late?

 

Brake line failure is the same across the board. Stainless steel lines are less prone to failure, do not flex as much under pressure, and also less susceptible to chaffing hazards.

 

But how can you tell when the liner is getting bad until it springs a leak??? At least a rubber hose you can tell when it looks bad.

 

I've been working as a Hydraulic Specialist on aircraft for my entire 13 year career. Trust me, any properly assembled and installed stainless steel brake line will outlive your ownership of the car, and any rubber OEM equivalent.

 

Straight from Earl's:
"We have independent test lab reports on file showing that prototype assemblies exceeded D.O.T. recommendations in all categories. The only continuing test program however, is a 4000 PSI. hydrostatic pressure test of every assembly that we make. We do not claim that any individual hose assembly is certifiable to D.O.T. standards and we therefore must advise you that they are sold to be used on off-road applications only.

There must be no possibility that the installed hose assemblies can stretch, crimp or kink under any conditions of wheel travel and steering angle. As with any hose installation, periodic inspection of hose condition is essential."

Sorry, but You can kink the heck out of rubber hose and it can stretch and still be fine. And they say periodic inspection is required. Yet again, how are you going to inspect the hose material when you can't see it???

 

What, might I ask, is going to cause the liner to go bad when it's protected by a layer of stainless steel?

 

the "liner" of those braided ss lines are not made of rubber. generally they are made of a teflon type tubing and do "wear out". If you kink it they will break. if you dont they wont...

 

Food for thought: rubber hydraulic lines on aircraft DO have a set service life that require replacement, teflon-lined stainless steel lines DO NOT.

 

But who is to say a line can't have an imperfection that'll cause problems? If they DO NOT fail then why does a manufacturer clearly state that they must be inspected?

 

You're engine can't have an imperfection because it will have problems too.

We can't guarantee that you won't fall down the next flight of stairs you walk down either.

 

But if my engine fails it isn't going to keep me from braking....