Carefull with the SS lines...

Wheels, Suspension, Brakes & Tyres questions and answers

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wun911
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby wun911 » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:04 pm

So I had installed SS lines a little while back. I Inspected them today as I'm about to paint my front rotors. They have started to frey as they have been rubbing against the lower control arm on the fronts :shock:. The rear lines are fine and are the same length as OEM rear lines.

Problem is the goodridge lines are like an extra 3 cm longer then OEM lines. So no matter where or how I bend or tuck the line it rubs against something. The line must come out at a right angle to the caliper otherwise it will touch the wheel.

So how did you guys install them? And im wondering if you can cut them and build them to OEM length?

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mx52nv
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby mx52nv » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:19 pm

Hey Wun,
I think I mentioned something similar in the installation comments of my Wilwood big brake kit in the garage. I needed to get different joints in order for the stainless lines to clear my control arms.

In my case, the install instructions & pics showed a different joint from the one I received hence my initial concerns. Well no matter how we tried, there was just no way of stopping the lines from fouling.

Since I was doing the install on a weekend, I had no choice but to wait till Monday to pick up some other joints from the local ENZED branch :(

Moral of this story - always make sure you get the right joints for stainless steel brake lines to clear the control arms.

Please Note - different joints work for different lines. Check so you do not get stuck.

*EDIT* I just noticed that Wun's last 2 updated pics indicate a real problem with length as well. However, see if a banjo joint will help take up slack and clear the arms. Also cost could be a factor - so check to see if cutting compared to changing joints will be more cost effective.

I hope this helps Wun :wink:

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fastfreddygassit
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby fastfreddygassit » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:40 pm

1. You can carefully loosen the banjo bolt and change the angle of the line - reroute the line. This is what I have done with my SS lines. (This is the lighter option)
or
2. Cover the area of the line that rubs with some rubber hose (and cable tie it in place). (This is the heavier option)

Fatty
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby Fatty » Sun Aug 17, 2008 3:42 pm

so are those lines ruined now??

that'd be a shame :frown:

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Matty
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby Matty » Sun Aug 17, 2008 4:37 pm

I had no problems with Goodridge lines on my car for years, so bummer you're having issues.
Have a close look at the caliper and the OEM hose - see the little stud on the OEM Banjo fitting? That lines up with a hole in the caliper. Make sure the new lines are aligned the same way.

You might also need to give them a half-twist I think. Check someone else's car.

wun911
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby wun911 » Sun Aug 17, 2008 5:17 pm

Im not sure if they are ruined I know the old oem ones are (hack saw upon removal).

The metal bits are intact im tempted to get heat shrink wrap and wrap them again (a couple of layers). Then cable tie them out of the way (added unsprung weight sigh).
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manga_blue
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby manga_blue » Sun Aug 17, 2008 6:35 pm

From the photo I'd say the damage is not serious, Wun. You can lossen the bolt to the calipers and rotate the union until you get a position that doesn't fowl anywhere.
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fattima
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby fattima » Sun Aug 17, 2008 8:28 pm

Damage does not look bad, I used locally made lines and they have the locating pin on them like to original lines so they come out at the correct angle. Get the angle correct then put a sleeve (old fuel line) over them if needed. If your brakes fail I did not give you this advice :D

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irwin83r
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Carefull with the SS lines...

Postby irwin83r » Thu Aug 21, 2008 10:16 pm

when i installed i noticed one curved towards the arm the other curved towards th rim outside edge/tyre. i think when you install the banjo joint to the caliper itself you can put it on upside down.. putting a twist in it one way or the other making it curve either towards the arm or the tyre.. mine looks like it maybe rubbing on the tyre on one side the other side that is towards the arm is fine..

CT informed me that he found putting a light spring on the line to the arm or another point worked well at keeping it out of harms way but letting it move freely as you wind from lock to lock.


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