braided stainless brake lines

IvaTiger

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568
Lol personal liability isn't commerical exposure.
Wow, now that all you unlicensed insurance and legal specialists have spoken can we get back to the subject. I don't recall any markings on the SS brake lines. Everyone of us is fed up with the eye rolling at the local auto parts store when asked year make and model. How about suggested alternatives ?
Maybe cables like the cars of yesterday and do away with hydraulic brakes , šŸš‘
 

Hoghead

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578
The stainless lines that came with my expensive Wilwood front brake kit, are not marked DOT, however the AN3 Russell line I bought from Summit for my home engineered rear disc brakes is DOT marked.
Both have the stainless braid covered with plastic, which I understand is one of the DOT requirements.

The thread in the Girling lines is the same as AN3, so easy enough to buy that same Russell DOT approved line:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-r58362s
A common AN3 bulkhead connector at one end:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all50092 with https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aer-fbm5556

The calliper end is not as straightforward. One could use a AN3 union with a copper crush washer at the calliper spot face.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vpe-10230
It seems from the pic that an AN union with a copper crush washer is the approach of one UK supplier:
https://forestcustom.co.uk/shop/brake-system/front-brake-hoses-stainless-braided?mfp=39-tiger[mk-i,mk-ia,mk-ii]

Thread engagement length is short with the AN union + copper washer method, and the AN nut is smaller than common crush washers. While it is being done, I would prefer a longer thread engagement length, and a larger nut to fully support the crush washer. Google tells me that the 37 degree AN flare is compatible with the Girling bubble flare seat in the calliper input, but I have yet to find supporting data. I am not aware of a long reach AN3 union in order to seal in the seat, or a "large nut" AN to use with the crush washer method. There must be other crush washers that would work with AN fittings or perhaps a Dowty seal?

I would buy the UK lines, but not plastic covered, and I have to get a provincial inspection so I "need" the DOT marking. It remains to be seen if using AN fittings, or bodged AN fittings, on brake systems will pass inspection.
 
Last edited:

IvaTiger

Gold forum user
Messages
568
The stainless lines that came with my expensive Wilwood front brake kit, are not marked DOT, however the AN3 Russell line I bought from Summit for my home engineered rear disc brakes is DOT marked.
Both have the stainless braid covered with plastic, which I understand is one of the DOT requirements.

The thread in the Girling lines is the same as AN3, so easy enough to buy that same Russell DOT approved line:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/rus-r58362s
A common AN3 bulkhead connector at one end:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all50092 with https://www.summitracing.com/parts/aer-fbm5556

The calliper end is not as straightforward. One could use a AN3 union with a copper crush washer at the calliper spot face.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/vpe-10230
It seems from the pic that an AN union with a copper crush washer is the approach of one UK supplier:
https://forestcustom.co.uk/shop/brake-system/front-brake-hoses-stainless-braided?mfp=39-tiger[mk-i,mk-ia,mk-ii]

Thread engagement length is short with the AN union + copper washer method, and the AN nut is smaller than common crush washers. While it is being done, I would prefer a longer thread engagement length, and a larger nut to fully support the crush washer. Google tells me that the 37 degree AN flare is compatible with the Girling bubble flare seat in the calliper input, but I have yet to find supporting data. I am not aware of a long reach AN3 union in order to seal in the seat, or a "large nut" AN to use with the crush washer method.

I would buy the UK lines, but not plastic covered, and I have to get a provincial inspection so I "need" the DOT marking. It remains to be seen if using AN fittings, or bodged AN fittings, on brake systems will pass inspection.
What is the reason to use stainless and not the type that Rick at SS sells ?
 

at the beach

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CAT Member
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907
...and that resistance to expanding results is shorter stopping distance, at least that's the theory.
Our Tiger race cars always use the stainless type.
 

hottigr

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CAT Member
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819
I put the CAT stainless braided lines on a few years ago. I wonder where they fit in this discussion?
 

65beam

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1,837
I have them on five of our cars. Doug installed the first set when he restored one of our cars back in 1995 and they're still on the car.
 

sandy

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CAT Member
Messages
300
Russel and a few other make DOT approved braided steel lines, not sure if they have them in the size you need but check out their site. If you can find something that works on a more common car you can have an easy find at DOT lines. Personally I don't think they manufacture them differently then on RACE approved ones but worth a quick call to Russell or other places that make both, but they may have a plastic coating on some of the DOT lines but not sure. I have used both Wilwood's and Russells on the street in the Mustang, and have them going on the Tiger. I used the Russel Race ones is specific ends and lengths and have no issues doing so, your mileage and concerns may vary.

Sandy
 

sandy

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CAT Member
Messages
300
Oh, and do not use aluminum AN fittings for the union, use steel or brass. That's my understanding for years.
 

sandy

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CAT Member
Messages
300
Oldish thread, ignoring the liability angle...

Plenty of DOT approved SS lines, look at JEG's brand (some are, some are not, but they tell you), Russel I think makes a bunch that are DOT approved and they can help get specific sizes. You just have to look for the correct sizes and fittings or call Russell up to see if they have what you need. Lastly if you can find the correct length and fitting style from another (more popular in the aftermarket) car you might have it easy. Plenty of banjo fitting ones as well as ones for -3 which can go to a pipe or many other types of fittings. The DOT ones I got from Jegs look like they just have a vinyl coating and strain relief, but basically the same as the 'race' non-DOT approved from what I can see. Might have some other differences in manufacturing or materials but can't speak to that.
 
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