Stainless steel brake lines

[1MOREMOD]

Just looking for some feedback on those that run stainless lines. I have done several track days but my brake setup is stock and haven't had issues yet. Probably not driving hard enough to overwork them I suppose. Is there a distinct feel or performance advantage to having them? Is the pedal easier to modulate, stiffer, less travel? Any particular brand better than another? Thanks

[LiM3y]

I have the UUC lines and they feel good. The pedal subjectively seems stiffer and gives me more confidence.

The UUC kit has six lines, one for each caliper and two for a short rubber section near the driver side rear suspension. The two small lines by the rear suspension are real bastards to put in with big fingers.

[gthal]

I have Stop Tech lines and am happy with them. Pedal feel is firmer for sure, the problem is that I also changed the pads (to Stop Tech Street Performance) and also the fluid (to Motul 600) so I could say which of those components is contributing the most to the feel. I suspect the new pads contributes as much or more than the SS lines to brake feel. The combination of the three things (which isn't particularly costly) does result in noticeably better firmness and perceived stopping power. For $350, it was probably the best bank for buck mod I have made on the car.

[persian54]

Originally Posted by gthal

I have Stop Tech lines and am happy with them. Pedal feel is firmer for sure, the problem is that I also changed the pads (to Stop Tech Street Performance) and also the fluid (to Motul 600) so I could say which of those components is contributing the most to the feel. I suspect the new pads contributes as much or more than the SS lines to brake feel. The combination of the three things (which isn't particularly costly) does result in noticeably better firmness and perceived stopping power. For $350, it was probably the best bank for buck mod I have made on the car.

Lol you and I have the same exact set up..

Though I paid about $15 more than you lol

[gthal]

Originally Posted by persian54

Lol you and I have the same exact set up..

Though I paid about $15 more than you lol

Well, to be honest, I was estimating what I paid because I don't remember exactly. I should have said for "around" $350.

[1MOREMOD]

thanks for the info. im kind of trying to time the switch not sure how to go about it. my car has about 6 months left under warranty and is due for brake fluid flush in about 3 months. dont want to change stuff out before i take it in for the service but doesnt make sense to have them do it then redo again slightly later. would the dealer use motul and add the stainless brake lines? also thinking about trying to use up my pads prior to the warranty end so they will do the brake work under contract. ideally would like to add lines, fluid and pads prior to next springs track season.

[Mavrick151]

Originally Posted by LiM3y

The two small lines by the rear suspension are real bastards to put in with big fingers.

+1 BIG pain in the ass

[1MOREMOD]

if i provided the motul and stainless lines would the dealership install during my next brake flush which is in december?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by chriszeh

if i provided the motul and stainless lines would the dealership install during my next brake flush which is in december?

Yes. Took my shop about 60 minutes to change the brake lines, pads and flush.

[1MOREMOD]

did you get the lines, pads and motul as a kit from someone or buy individually? do the stoptech pads fit the stock calipers?

[gthal]

Originally Posted by chriszeh

did you get the lines, pads and motul as a kit from someone or buy individually? do the stoptech pads fit the stock calipers?

Got everything from Omar @ ActiveAutoWerke as a package. The StopTech pads are on my OEM calipers now. Very quiet too... like OEM... which I like.

[1MOREMOD]

sweet thanks. i have a few months to figure this out and may just do lines and motul for now but we will see how much left i have on pads after couple more track days.

[1MOREMOD]

how much should the lines install be? im doing it with a flush at the dealership and was quoted 225. seems kinda high but if i split the two up then im paying for bleeding elsewhere just to get free flush under maintenance agreement.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by chriszeh

how much should the lines install be? im doing it with a flush at the dealership and was quoted 225. seems kinda high but if i split the two up then im paying for bleeding elsewhere just to get free flush under maintenance agreement.

You want better fluid than the stock OEM fluid that would be used in a dealership flush...unless your dealership is happy to use non-BMW fluid (I use Ate 200 - the brake manufacturer) in the flushes.

I do my own using a pressure bleeder.

[1MOREMOD]

sorry didnt mention that. i am providing the fluid for them to use. since they are doing it for free i was just gonna let them do the swap. the lines is what i was getting at. the cost for those installed they said 225 and i am providing the challenge lines as well.

[1MOREMOD]

got my challenge stainless lines from eas today. manufacture and quality look excellent. im been impressed with challenges products since i got my challenge xpipe. getting the lines and high temp fluid installed tomorrow. hopefully my pedal firms up quite a bit as i have had several track days and never bled yet.

[1MOREMOD]

ran my new set up yesterday at the track. still have the oem pads on which will be changed in the spring for the ds2500. for now i was happy with how the brakes performed. the addition of gt4 brake ducts, challenge stainless lines, and high temp fluid made my brakes seem to be more consistent. the pedal feel was improved and they seemed to cool more easily with one cool down lap. of course the outside temp was lower so made the cooling portion easier on its own.

[LiM3y]

Originally Posted by chriszeh

ran my new set up yesterday at the track. still have the oem pads on which will be changed in the spring for the ds2500. for now i was happy with how the brakes performed. the addition of gt4 brake ducts, challenge stainless lines, and high temp fluid made my brakes seem to be more consistent. the pedal feel was improved and they seemed to cool more easily with one cool down lap. of course the outside temp was lower so made the cooling portion easier on its own.

How did you attach the brake hoses to the backing plate? Did you use the DIY on the forum? I am just wondering how easy it is to hook up the ducts through the suspension and mounting close to the rotors/calipers.

Thanks in advance

[1MOREMOD]

the brake duct system i put together is 2 parts. one is from the undertray to the inner fender liner and the second is from the inner fender liner to the backing plates. so far i have only done the first half of the system and will run it like this to see if it gives enough extra cooling. if i am still having issues i will add the second portion in the spring or summer time. i bought 3 inch flanges from summit made from aluminum that i already used to attach the tubing to the inner fender liner and these same flanges will be utilized to mount the tubing to the backing plates. the system is 3 inches and i think routing will be nearly impossible without a significant amount of rubbing so hoping i dont have to tear it apart and do the second half at all. there is an entire write up of this titled apex gt4 brake duct install.

[thorny]

Originally Posted by gthal

Yes. Took my shop about 60 minutes to change the brake lines, pads and flush.

Harold@hpautowerks in Santa Barbara told me it is a 5 hr job. Did your shop really have it done in an hour???

[gthal]

Originally Posted by thorny

Harold@hpautowerks in Santa Barbara told me it is a 5 hr job. Did your shop really have it done in an hour???

Yes... I watched them while they did it... maybe 2 hours at MOST but if memory serves me it was less. There are only 6 lines to unscrew and replace and a fluid flush. The lines are literally remove calipers, unscrew lines, put new ones on and replace caliper. How long can that possibly take

[HT1000]

Originally Posted by gthal

Yes... I watched them while they did it... maybe 2 hours at MOST but if memory serves me it was less. There are only 6 lines to unscrew and replace and a fluid flush. The lines are literally remove calipers, unscrew lines, put new ones on and replace caliper. How long can that possibly take

The ones in the back are the issue, not the ones on the calipers.