Stainless Steel Brake lines -- Yay or Nay

[kmacafee]

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 with 105,000 miles upon which I carry a 2000 pound camper. I updated the rotors and pads about 40k ago. I am hoping to keep this rig for years to come and am working through replacing components that could fail given the truck's age and mileage.

One such component are the brake lines. I have done a fair amount of research into whether or not they are worth it and the vast majority of things I have read and the people I have spoken with all agree that for competition driving they are essential. For regular and off road driving however, the general consensus is that, other than providing a firmer brake pedal, they are not necessary.

I'd appreciate any feedback from those of you who have switched to stainless from rubber or any opinions on whether or not they are necessary.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Vic Harder]

IF the lines need replacing, then replacing with SS can't hurt (other than your pocketbook). Will you notice a difference? Highly unlikely.

 

[fish more]

Leaking? Plugged up? No need to change, stainless lines offer protection for competition because of high heat in the fluid from braking. The vehicle being only seven years old and only 100k, the lines should be just fine. It would not hurt to flush the system out and change the fluid if very dark. You can get a test kit to test the fluid and determine if any work is needed. NAY

 

[ski3pin]

Original stock steel lines on our truck with 228,000 miles. Flush and change the brake fluid every two years. The truck is ready to go anywhere.

 

[Vic Harder]

Ski is on the right track... change the fluid often, at least once every two years.

 

[JHanson]

Agree on changing the fluid, something probably fewer than one percent of vehicle owners do as often as they should. Also, have you upgraded your fluid? It's the cheapest way to improve fade resistance. At the risk of more self-promotion, I'll link a relevant article again, here.

 

[ski3pin]

Agree on changing the fluid, something probably fewer than one percent of vehicle owners do as often as they should. Also, have you upgraded your fluid? It's the cheapest way to improve fade resistance. At the risk of more self-promotion, I'll link a relevant article again, here.

Yup, from DOT 3 to DOT 4

 

[JHanson]

Yup, from DOT 3 to DOT 4

Excellent!

 

[ntsqd]

It used to be that the pre-made -3AN SS hoses had a little tiny tube between the crimp ferrule and the backside of the nut. This made them rather fragile. I know that some mfg's have addressed this, but I don't know that all of them have.

If you are going into remote enough, and rough enough, where a torn brake line could be a life threatening situation then I'd suggest learning how to build -3AN brake hoses. Buy enough that you have one extra of each unique fitting and hose end, and enough extra hose to make the longest hose on the vehicle. Then you can make a new brake hose in the wilderness. For those vehicles that I have put SS hoses on I've done exactly that.

In a non-competition situation that is the only reason that I would go with them on an off-road driven vehicle. They are easier to kink and rupture than an OEM rubber hose.

 

[kmacafee]

Thanks everyone for the sage advice.

 

[PaulT]

Thanks everyone for the sage advice.

Just in thyme, eh?

Paul

 

[ntsqd]

Oh know, it's bleeding over....

 

[oldhotrod]

stainless lines will tend to give you a different, firmer pedal feel. The rubber lines provide more modulation but switching you will probably get used to the feel over a short period of time. And there are brake line shops that do provide I think DOT legal and tested lines if that is a concern, or you can buy the hose and reusable (not crimped) ends but they are much more money...but a kit is not a bad idea to keep in the spare parts box

 

[ramblinChet]

Fantastic article Mr. Hanson - you packed all the key points into one of the most comprehensive articles on braking that I have ever read. But I feel slighted since there is no mention of a "hydroboost" braking system in one-ton trucks such as mine

While racing I ran stainless steel brake lines from Goodridge primarily because they were free and they offered a contingency package that paid. One thing I did learn is that once brake fluid is overheated it loves to pull air into the system as it cools. Even in small amounts this adds up when at the limits of performance so it was common to flush the complete brake system between race weekends. My recommendation is that if your brake fluid does become overheated and you are working on the system it might be a good time to flush with new fluid. Degassing is expensive and few people have the specialized equipment.

Not sure if it was mentioned previously although glycol-based fluids can be swapped (DOT 3, 4 and 5.1)

DOT 5 is silicone-based and can NOT be mixed with others.

 

[Zoomad]

I've been running factory assembled SS brake lines on the front of my K5 for years. One main reason is the stock brake line length were acting as a limiting strap to the suspension travel. The second reason was stability to not expand under pressure like stock rubber lines can, which is where the firmer feel comes from. I will admit, the firmer feel is only felt if you drive a similar truck with rubber lines, back to back with one with SS lines though. But one other thing SS lines are less likely to do is collapse like a rubber line can. I've had that happen on my previous K5. The line would allow pressure to flow to the brake caliper but not allow it to release when the pedal was released. This would cause the brake caliper on that side to drag to the point of cooking the rotor and pads and locking up the wheel.

If a truck is a stock height the main reason I got my SS lines for is not really applicable. So it really makes the expense in the upgrade less of a necessity.

I would make it a point to inspect during maintenance and if there are any signs of cracking or damage to a rubber brake line, replace the line as required. I would suggest, if you do wish to upgrade, replace in pairs.