jtpedersen
Caught the Bug
About a month ago I installed stainless steel brake lines, sourced from Rock Auto. I wasn't impressed with their 'wimpy' appearance, but they seemed Ok enough.
There were 3 particular concerns I had. 1) the front lines were 1.5-2" shorter than OEM. Having installed a leveling lift it was a concern. 2) Front lines didn't include a cross over bracket like the OEM solution. 3) Rear brake lines just didn't route as smoothly as I liked.
This past weekend, I jacked up the front to check for front line length while articulating when the rear burst. At first I thought it was due to rubbing the tire. I mean, what 'else' would cause a new line to burst. Well, on closer inspection, it looks like it burst. Smooth edges, splaying in both directions. A rub-through would be in one direction, heavy abrasion marks, etc.
On recommendations here, I purchased another set from Crown Performance.
In the comparison pictures, you can see the blue lines (available in rainbow of colors) made by Crown Performance. VERY nice. First rate product, included the cross over bracket (good), and conveys a first class impression. Installed much easier. With the 'block' at the caliper end, it only installs one way, and everything aligns. The steel lines are Rock Auto's 'premium' offering.
In the end, driving with them, the pedal feel is what I originally expected the first time around. The first set of stainless lines never felt any different than OEM. Was disappointed. This new set, no question, much more in line with what I'd been expecting. Feel much better. And in the end, the net difference was maybe $50.
There were 3 particular concerns I had. 1) the front lines were 1.5-2" shorter than OEM. Having installed a leveling lift it was a concern. 2) Front lines didn't include a cross over bracket like the OEM solution. 3) Rear brake lines just didn't route as smoothly as I liked.
This past weekend, I jacked up the front to check for front line length while articulating when the rear burst. At first I thought it was due to rubbing the tire. I mean, what 'else' would cause a new line to burst. Well, on closer inspection, it looks like it burst. Smooth edges, splaying in both directions. A rub-through would be in one direction, heavy abrasion marks, etc.
On recommendations here, I purchased another set from Crown Performance.
In the comparison pictures, you can see the blue lines (available in rainbow of colors) made by Crown Performance. VERY nice. First rate product, included the cross over bracket (good), and conveys a first class impression. Installed much easier. With the 'block' at the caliper end, it only installs one way, and everything aligns. The steel lines are Rock Auto's 'premium' offering.
In the end, driving with them, the pedal feel is what I originally expected the first time around. The first set of stainless lines never felt any different than OEM. Was disappointed. This new set, no question, much more in line with what I'd been expecting. Feel much better. And in the end, the net difference was maybe $50.
