Do Steel Brake Lines Really Make a Difference?
Thread Starter
Almost a Member!
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 51
Likes: 0
CLK430
Do Steel Brake Lines Really Make a Difference?
I'm changing my rotors (brembo oem size & cross-drilled) and pads (Axxis Deluxe Plus) and was wondering whether I should replace the oem brake lines to Stainless Steel brake lines? The lines will cost me an extra $82. Is there really that much more of a difference to merit spending the additional money?
Member
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 98
Likes: 0
From: Lake mary, Florida
00 clk 320 and 3 hondas. Darn I am down to 4 cars.
Steel braided lines are fine if you race your car. Under heavy, repeated braking the rubber lines tend to soften and cause a loss in brake fluid pressure. For a street driven car that will never see a race track, I think they are a waste of money. They do have a "bling" factor if you can see them through the wheels.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
Likes: 0
1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
On cars, I dunno...On my motorbikes they definitely make a difference, requiring substantially less travel of the lever since the lines don't flex under pressure. I would think the same applies to cars...I just don't know if it's worth the money, time and effort to put on a street vehicle. On my bikes it's typically two or three lines...on these MB's it's gonna be up to six lines to change and bleed.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Normal, IL
02 E55; 99 CLK430 (Sold)
I agree that it may not really be worth it, but if you're only talking about $82 to get all new braided lines, why not just for the bling/"race look" factor???? That is unless that's just the parts but they'll also charge another couple hundred in labor.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 3,445
Likes: 3
From: WOT somewhere in the Bay Area
1951 Caterpiller D6
Originally Posted by Cohiba
I'm changing my rotors (brembo oem size & cross-drilled) and pads (Axxis Deluxe Plus) and was wondering whether I should replace the oem brake lines to Stainless Steel brake lines? The lines will cost me an extra $82. Is there really that much more of a difference to merit spending the additional money?
If you are swapping becasue you like the looks of the cross drilled setup, go for the lines. They look a lot better.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 621
Likes: 2
From: Mile High City
W208
Originally Posted by StapleGun
On cars, I dunno...On my motorbikes they definitely make a difference, requiring substantially less travel of the lever since the lines don't flex under pressure. I would think the same applies to cars.
