Brake lines?

[renzAy34134]

Any one ever put on stainless steel brake lines on their X? I heard that it makes the pedal a little more firm and not so "squishy"? A little more responsive. Anyone have any ideas or input on this, if its true or not? Also, where to get some if it is actually true? Thanks in advance.

Also, I will try to do as many writeups as possible on this stuff once I get some projects to do.

 

[renzAy34134]

bump

 

[willied]

I haven't done it myself, but from what I've read they will improve brake pedal feel and what not. I know that's not much help...

 

[koda2000]

i assume you're talking about the flex lines. yes they will give you a firmer pedal. if you're talking about the hard lines, they will not have any effect on the feel. ss hard lines will last forever, but they can leak at the fittings.

 

[renzAy34134]

Yea I mean the flex lines. They look to be braided or something. Does anyone know where one could aquire such an item that fits our vehicles?

 

[Town]

The Mercury Marauder guys have given glowing reports of the TCE braided stainless steel flex lines. The kit for 4 wheels and all necessary parts is about $162 US. The TCE website: http://www.tceperformanceproducts.com/ does not list the Explorer but the brakes are the same as the Panther cars. You can contact them to see if they have a set for your vehicle.

One shop charges 1 hour of labour to change the 4 lines: http://www.mosspeedshop.com/forum/ plus all the parts and brake fluid.

The people that have expressed concern that the pedal felt spongy rather than hard, as expected, may not have bled the brakes properly afterward. One issue is letting all the fluid drain from the master cylinder perhaps due to gravity bleeding fluid from open lines while changing the flex hose.

Good luck.

 

[willied]

Town, you are an incredible wealth of information. I know it's not my thread, but I just want to thank you for helping people out with so many problems/questions. It's awesome.

And slightly off topic, but relates to your post - I saw a freshly crashed Marauder on a tow truck the other day. A sad sight to see.

 

[renzAy34134]

Town, Thanks a ton for the info. I work retail so my days off make no sense so on thursday or saturday ill see if i can order up a couple sets. One for me and the wife. Ill be doing the work myself. My dad always taught me if U can do the work yourself there is no reason to pay someone else to do it for you. So we will see how this goes. Again like with most of my mods ill try and do a detailed writeup so if anyone else wants to do this itll be easier.

 

[koda2000]

Yea I mean the flex lines. They look to be braided or something. Does anyone know where one could aquire such an item that fits our vehicles?

from the hot rod world there are a number of places you can get the braided stainless steel lines. Godman is one place i've used, but you may need to know the sizes (diameter, length and ends) you need, but they may know. Also, Summit Racing may have them. just make sure what you get is DOT approved. i have them on my '54 Ford street truck. they really do make a difference in pedal feel.

 

[renzAy34134]

Thanks koda as well. Just solidifying my original though tthat these are a good mod to do and actually get real results. Ill shop around on my day off and see what I can pick up. Ill keep everyone up dated as promised.

 

[Flag Gibby]

I had the spongy/delayed pedal feel and just changed my brake fluid yesterday and found air in the rear lines from the factory (only 55K on the engine so just now changing). With the fresh valvoline brake fluid the brakes are engaging earlier and feel much better than before.

 

[willied]

I had the spongy/delayed pedal feel and just changed my brake fluid yesterday and found air in the rear lines from the factory (only 55K on the engine so just now changing). With the fresh valvoline brake fluid the brakes are engaging earlier and feel much better than before.

I think I need to do the same. My brakes feel pretty bad, and I feel like they felt pretty good when I first got the car. It sounds you did it yourself, how difficult is it?

 

[Flag Gibby]

I think I need to do the same. My brakes feel pretty bad, and I feel like they felt pretty good when I first got the car. It sounds you did it yourself, how difficult is it?

Not hard at all, but you need to make sure you have 32oz. of fluid, tubing that fits over the bleeder valve, and a helper to pump the brake pedal to make the process go faster. There is more detailed info on how to do it posted around the forum.