So, I have been reading about braided stainless steel brake lines and pros and cons. A pro and con that I would like those who have or had stainless lines to chime in on are

Pro: better brake pressure, pedal feel, and responsiveness since they don't flex as much OEM rubber lines.

Con: they are more "fragile" than OEM rubber lines and are not durable meaning they need regular replacement (note any failures here).

I saw that the Crown and Russell brand 5 piece sets seem to be the most commonly used and recommended. Can anyone who has been using them for some time provide feedback? What do you like/dislike about them? How is the warranty? Are they worth the investment and would you trust them on a cross country trip?

I have an '01 Ex with 8" lift and 35x12.50x17" tires. Any added stopping power would be much appreciated.

Sell me on some replacements.....go!

 

I wouldn't say they're more fragile than rubber ones.

I don't like the kind with raw stainless braid, especially on a truck. The idea is that sand and road grit gets in the braid and abraids the inner tube. I like the kind with a clear overcoat. Sadly, one can not tell from some pics of there's an overcoat.

 

I haven't really heard of any failures when it comes to stainless steel braided lines. Then again I've never read up on the subject.
I do love mine though, threw a set of Russell lines on and went 1300 miles on a family vacation. Lines are still mint nearly 1 year later.

Had a set of PowerStop lines on my old Expedition for about 8 years. No failures to speak of.

My suggestion is to just get 'em and enjoy!

 

I bought the crown brand last summer with a red translucent coating, and they still look great after a winter of heavy salt. So do my powder coated power Stop calipers. Why on earth would you say they are fragile? They will last better than any plain rubber pieces.

The Crown are available in any lift you need to accommodate and you get a choice of coating colors. The metal part is good compared to other items of the same age on the truck. Nothing lasts long enough in brine.

 

It was mentioned in another post that "the Teflon line is very fragile" and I wanted to get some feedback from others running both Russell and Crown.

How many miles do you have on yours?

Does anyone know if the Russell brand have the clear protective covering?

 

GDFBSWTFHCBRW

 

What other post?

 

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1...ake-lines.html

 

Got it, that is a whole 'nother site over there, didn't see it.

 

We ran them on every lifted trail rig I ever built and most of my jeep buddies also ran them on their tow rigs and trail rigs. I have never seen one fail

 

X2. I had braided brake lines all around on my 1 ton Wrangler. Never a failure stopping 39" Krawlers!
I just did the complete brake upgrade on my Excursion including Russell brake lines. Quite a noticeable difference in brake performance.

 

Thanks everyone for the replies. I went ahead and ordered the Russell lines (696500) for 8" lifted Excursions. They should be in on Wednesday. I will be installing along with a new master cylinder. Updates will follow once finished.

 

those pros and cons are not actual traits of braided braided brake lines built to D.O.T. specs because braided brake lines do not provide any of those benifits nor not do they fail more frequently then a OEM hose. I'd chalk your info up to Internet lore.

bottom line is if you like the way they look and they are in your budget then buy them, just do not expect them to perform any better or worse then your OEM hose.