Chris Lillja wrote:
> Interesting theory, but it sounds pretty "anecdotal" or just a wild-a**
> guess -- are there any real, documented failures of good quality SS lines to
> back that up in any way?
>
> I don't think most real braided SS lines are just a loosely fitting cover
> over "soft" Teflon. If that were true wouldn't the stainless braid itself
> abrade the line even more efficiently than any dirt? I thought the inner and
> outer layers were always bonded together--at least in good quality SS lines.
> At least one manufacturer (Paragon) uses a Kevlar inner liner between the
> stainless and the Teflon. I can't imagine that mil-spec and/or aero-spec SS
> lines would allow such a silly failure mode.
>
> Some DOT approved lines are now available BTW. The Goodridge lines
> advertised by Moss are supposedly DOT approved. (I not sure if they are US
> Dot approved - the markings look like a "Euro-Dot" approval. If they're good
> enough for the English MoT or (hopefully) the German TUV(?) I'll use 'em ...
> and I do!
>
> If anyone knows differently, please let me know!
>
> I think most SS lines aren't DOT approved for the same reason many H4
> Halogen conversions aren't approved. DOT is just too backwards to do it or
> it's too much of a pain for the manufacturers...
>
> Oh, and I agree with the nutballs that a simple visual inspection isn't
> adequate... with any kind of older flex brake line... Replace 'em!
>
> Chris Lillja
> '66 TR4A
> '74 Norton Commando 850
> '71 Spit MKIV
> http://members.aol.com/lilljaweb/index.html
I agree with Chris. The notion of dirt getting in the braid seems pretty far
fetched. Teflon is pretty tough stuff, and any dirt that worked its way into
the
braid would have to be pretty fine and therefore not too abrasive. I can't
imagine it
being a real concern.
If you are totally spooked, take the lines off the car, clean them carefully,
plug the
threads/fittings and give them a dunk in Plasti-Dip. Presto, no more braid to
catch
all that nasty dirt - your choice of colors too - yellow brake hoses, anyone?
Regards,
Brian Schlorff '61 TR-4 '64 TR-4 '72 TR-6 '79 Spit
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