Brake Q's: Are Stainless Steel lines worth it? And what's a good fluid?
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Brake Q's: Are Stainless Steel lines worth it? And what's a good fluid?
My car has 45k miles and I'm going to replace the brake fluid... and while thats being done I was wondering if I should put in SS lines at the same time. Are they worth it? My current setup is an 04 STi with Axis Ultimate pads and DBA slotted rotors. I dont do any track or autox so I'm not sure if these would be worth it. Can you honestly feel the difference? Are there any downsides to SS lines?
Also, what is a good fluid to put in? I haven't researched this stuff in a few years...
Thanks
Also, what is a good fluid to put in? I haven't researched this stuff in a few years...
Thanks
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DOT 5 isn't for use in ABS systems. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5
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I'm a big fan of plain old Valvoline Synthetic (DOT 5 i think) brake fluid from your local auto parts store; cheap and effective.
Stainless lines are absolutely worth it - slight increase in pedal feel/linearity, and reduced braking effort. Any brake improvements are 100% worth it when you start to consider when you need it most...
Also, rubber lines get hard and brittle over time and fail all at once. Steel lines can last longer, fail more slowly, and are more resistant to things like debris and huge temperature swings.
Stainless lines are absolutely worth it - slight increase in pedal feel/linearity, and reduced braking effort. Any brake improvements are 100% worth it when you start to consider when you need it most...
Also, rubber lines get hard and brittle over time and fail all at once. Steel lines can last longer, fail more slowly, and are more resistant to things like debris and huge temperature swings.
yeah, quite a noticeable difference in "pedal feel" after putting on the SS lines. i like the firm feeling it gives me. before with stock rubber hoses, it would have that "oh so temporary" squooshy feeling as you get on the brakes...now it's just...direct. i think it's easier to modulate the brakes to get the threshold i want too, but maybe it's just being more confident of the brakes.
do it! Si, se puede!!!
do it! Si, se puede!!!
(this is purely just reading about them online, so dont take this as gospel). I've read an equal number of posts for SS lines versus no SS lines. all on nasioc and i-club. i had a set ready to go, but never ended up putting them in because i just wasn't convinced enough, so i sold em. but, i dont plan on tracking my car, so that played into the decision. it really depends on what you are using the car for. daily driving, i dont think they will make a marked difference in performance. but if you are going to the track, you may want to consider them. i am running some very nice pads and fluid though, that made a pretty big difference.
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DOT 5 isn't for use in ABS systems. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DOT_5
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If you're on a higher mileage car or drive your car at 9/10ths... read on the track... on a regular basis you'll appreciate it. Otherwise I honestly don't think it's the most necessary upgrade. It does help pedal feel. Is more durable. More reliable but there are other things to spend money on.
But if you're in there upgrading rotors and pads and what not and don't plan on doing a major upgrade on your set up (read upgraded calipers, etc) then you might as well. They aren't that expensive.
I've had them on my last 2 cars.
But if you're in there upgrading rotors and pads and what not and don't plan on doing a major upgrade on your set up (read upgraded calipers, etc) then you might as well. They aren't that expensive.
I've had them on my last 2 cars.
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yeah Matt, i'd get some ss lines if i were you(their only around $100 anyways) and we've been using the super blue dot 4 fuild without any issues so far.
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Last edited by crfsti; Apr 24, 2011 at 06:06 PM.
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I did stoptech SS lines at around 20k miles and it was pointless. A quality product, but my stock lines had not deteriorated. Considering CA's mild climate, unless you've got spongy stock lines because they've deteriorated, then SS's aren't worth it unless it's a track car with everything else upgraded too (including booster brace, etc).
Don't do DOT 5 for reasons posted earlier.
Valvoline Syntech is DOT4, and is good, cheap, EASY TO FIND ANYWHERE brake fluid, but you only need it if you track or REALLY do downhill driving. Valv Syn is cheap enough though, that WHEN YOU NEED NEW FLUID, you can just use it.
BTW, OP, if you don't track, why did you get the DBA's? They are awesome brakes but you don't need them for DD application unless it's for the bling. Even autox doesn't need it.
Don't do DOT 5 for reasons posted earlier.
Valvoline Syntech is DOT4, and is good, cheap, EASY TO FIND ANYWHERE brake fluid, but you only need it if you track or REALLY do downhill driving. Valv Syn is cheap enough though, that WHEN YOU NEED NEW FLUID, you can just use it.
BTW, OP, if you don't track, why did you get the DBA's? They are awesome brakes but you don't need them for DD application unless it's for the bling. Even autox doesn't need it.
Also, if you go SS, make sure the lines are DOT compliant. If not, bad things may follow:
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-braki...dangerous.html
http://www.iwsti.com/forums/gr-braki...dangerous.html