In a message dated 1/16/01 7:35:11 AM Pacific Standard Time, brian@uunet.ca
writes:
> . They did say that
> while steel line is better from a fluid absorption perspective, it is far
> more prone to fatigue cracking, which is a definite benefit to flex lines.
>
Yes, but in a conventional installation, the steel lines must be tied down so
they DON'T move, and cannot fatigue. They then last essentially for the life
of the car, assuming the absence of corrosion.
Using the Aeroquip lines from the frame to the wheels makes the most sense to
me, as you get all the advantages of lower expansion (and it isn't zero - the
inner liner 'relaxes' when not under pressure and then expands a very small
amount to press against the braided exterior sheathing when under pressure.
It's just not of sufficient magnitude to entail noticeable loss of pedal -
though a whole car done in Aeroquip would certainly test that!), and they
don't collapse.
Rubber lines that look fine on the outside but have collapsed and have bits
of inner lining that can function as a valve can be both dangerous and VERY
perplexing to figure out if you haven't experienced it before.
If you just replace the flex lines with Aeroquip, it is no big deal to remake
the lines every few years, using the same fittings, and that course of action
seems to me the best combination of performance, maintenance, and cost
effectiveness.
Bill S.
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