Stainless brake flex lines...
Logistics Pro
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,974
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From: Millersburg, OH
I have the Russell set for a few years now and I would not recommend them for stock height trucks. The rear line are fine but the fronts are to long and no matter how I route or tie them back they rub at near full lock to full lock. I placed rubber hoses around the braided hoses to protect them but the whole thing just looks ugly.
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From: Wharton, NJ
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Elder User
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 820
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From: BC, Canada
im subscribing to this too, i want to replace all 5 flex lines with some stock length braided ones. No way im paying 170 bucks for a 5" lift kit set from russell
Russell 696490 Russell Street Legal Braided Brake Lines
Russell 696490 Russell Street Legal Braided Brake Lines
Elder User
Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Ohio
I've been through at least three sets of SS braided lines and don't plan on buying another. Every single set had one line or the other fail. One failed at about 60 mph and when I hit the brake I heard a pop, a whoosh, and then my pedal went straight to the floor.
The braid ends up wearing through right where it enters the ferrule behind the fitting and once that happened it was just a matter of time till it wore through every thing else and caused total failure.
These were all on my Jeep, which saw just as much street time as trail time, and we're considered high quality.
I found some factory GM rubber lines for a hydro boost application that would accommodate the amount of lift I had, and haven't looked back. When I took the jeep down for its rebuild they'd already outlasted the SS by at least a factor of 3, they were dirt cheap in comparison, and could be found in just about any decent automotive parts store.
IMO SS flex lines are a highly over rated and seriously over priced bit of sub-performing eye candy.
The braid ends up wearing through right where it enters the ferrule behind the fitting and once that happened it was just a matter of time till it wore through every thing else and caused total failure.
These were all on my Jeep, which saw just as much street time as trail time, and we're considered high quality.
I found some factory GM rubber lines for a hydro boost application that would accommodate the amount of lift I had, and haven't looked back. When I took the jeep down for its rebuild they'd already outlasted the SS by at least a factor of 3, they were dirt cheap in comparison, and could be found in just about any decent automotive parts store.
IMO SS flex lines are a highly over rated and seriously over priced bit of sub-performing eye candy.
FTE Leadership Emeritus
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 111,873
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From: Wharton, NJ
Glad you chimed in, I was hoping to get some input if they were any better or just bling, yes if you have a lift and need longer than stock you have very limited options for the lines. I'm beginning to think my old rubber lines have lasted almost 13 years without a failure, yet! I am also looking at the OEM replacements for around $100.
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Joined: Jul 2002
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From: Long Island USA
My right front rubber hose clogged up with crud and caused the truck to randomly pull to the left. After changing out the hoses, I pulled it apart to see what was stuck in it - looked like deteriorated rubber, the fluid was all still good.
That was at around 11 years old - manufactured in October, 2000, this happened last fall in 2011.
That was at around 11 years old - manufactured in October, 2000, this happened last fall in 2011.
Lead Driver
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 8,450
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From: South Jersey
i want to change mine for two reasons, one they are 8 going on 9 years old. And second after putting on my front 2.5" level springs the front lines are about two to three inches short and when the front suspension cycles the lines are super snug!
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From: BC, Canada
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From: Ohio
My Jeep is lifted probably a total of about 7" or so, the exact number escapes me, but it was SOA with a 2 1/2" spring lift tossed in as well. The brake system uses a hydrobooster out of a mid 70's chevy limo or some such, and is used to rein in some 37" Goodyears. Quite a bit of difference between the factory setup and what it is now.
The GM rubber lines that replaced the tossed SS braided ones have NO problem standing up to the pressure. They're for a hydroboost application to begin with so there is no mushy pedal produced by line stretch.
Some web searching yielded the correct part numbers for my particular application, but if you can find a WELL educated counter person at your local automotive supplier who also has some time and patience, you might be able to find a factory part that will accommodate your lift.
IMO, modern rubber lines for trucks are much more durable than any SS line commonly available, and cheaper to boot.
The last time I blew a SS line was the last straw. Sixty mph and my pedal hit the floor, literally. Lucky for me traffic was light and I coasted down to a manageable speed and got into a parking lot. When I got home I had to change my underwear, pants, and entire drivers seat.
Never again.
The GM rubber lines that replaced the tossed SS braided ones have NO problem standing up to the pressure. They're for a hydroboost application to begin with so there is no mushy pedal produced by line stretch.
Some web searching yielded the correct part numbers for my particular application, but if you can find a WELL educated counter person at your local automotive supplier who also has some time and patience, you might be able to find a factory part that will accommodate your lift.
IMO, modern rubber lines for trucks are much more durable than any SS line commonly available, and cheaper to boot.
The last time I blew a SS line was the last straw. Sixty mph and my pedal hit the floor, literally. Lucky for me traffic was light and I coasted down to a manageable speed and got into a parking lot. When I got home I had to change my underwear, pants, and entire drivers seat.
Never again.
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oldmansimek
Brakes, Steering, Suspension, Tires, & Wheels
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Aug 22, 2006 04:48 AM