Extended Brake Lines

thinking about extending my brake lines (one step at a time towards lifting) and was wondering whether braided S/S ones are absolutley necessary ?

sure they look better, are obviously tougher and abrasion resistant but is it really the case that extended standard material lines wouldn't withstand the additional flexing involved with a lift ?

It's just that extended S/S lines are about £80 and extended standard lines £40 (from china) - maybe it's even possible to source extended standard lines from the UK if the length and connection type is known.

Money being no object, obviously S/S braid is the way to go but are they critical if you don't party like Jimny-Dave :whistle:

anyone using std extended lines ?

any thoughts ?

My view is that ss lines are tougher if you snag a branch while off roading. For £40 difference I would risk losing my brakes.

I'm sure other views will be out there but that is mine.

Cheers

Would you be doing any off-roading where you may snag a brake line on a branch though Halford?

Also, if you lift it, your dog has further to jump or you have further to lift it. Just a thought having heard others talk about their dog not being ale to jump in the back because they have bought a higher car etc.

Kirkynut

The benefits of braided brake lines are minimal. Put it this way- 99% of cars get by there whole life without them with no problems whatsoever. Standard brake lines are very tough, just not as shiny! The reinforcing is within the rubber rather than on the outside.

Someone recently posted a link to a company that can make up brake lines for you much cheaper than the 'kits'. I can't find it right now though.

ETA:

mc_nebula wrote: Buy them through Llama 4x4. I unerstand that many of the other Jimny parts resellers/manufacturers resell Llama 4x4 hoses.
Phone them up and tell them what you need. E.G Hoses for a 3" lifted Jimny and they will make them to order. £15.50 inc. vat a hose - www.llama4x4.com/page10.htm .

Also here - www.llama4x4.com/page6.htm at £13.19+vat a hose, works out at £15.83 a hose... best to give him a ring. I've bought from him and found him to be a very affable chap!

Just doing a bit of reading into this-
Braided hoses have a teflon inner, which is what holds the fluid and resist expansion, and a braided stainless outer. Teflon is less stretchy than rubber (good for pedal feel) but not as tough. The stainless braid is needed to protect it from abrasion- not to hold the pressure as most seem to think. Braided hoses are designed for race cars and are not fitted as standard to road cars because they are more prone to failure. When exposed to dirt and frequent long suspension movements the teflon is more easily damaged and, unlike a standard reinforced rubber hose which will swell considerably before it bursts, the teflon will simply burst. Braided hoses cannot be visibly checked for damage as the braid covers the vulnerable part of the hose. If you snag a branch and the teflon inner is stretched, it might look ok on inspection but there's a much higher chance it will fail.

I got ss ones from Brakes international in Rochdale they will make what ever length you want and a choice of about 5 colours for £40 and I have had no probs with them.