Keith :
I've followed to some extent the argument about the SS braided hoses. I'll
point out that the SS braid is only a covering to protect the Teflon that
actually carries the brake fluid.
IMO the pro's outweigh the con's in favor of SS hoses.
My understanding is that the DOT's long refusal to approve them was based
on an unrealistic test (known as the whip test) that most SS hoses fail.
(There is at least one manufacturer that claims to have made braided hoses
that pass this test.) I also understand that the US DOT has recently
allowed a modified version of the test that will allow OEMs to use SS
hoses, but effectively prevents aftermarket suppliers from gaining
approval.
It appears to be true, that the SS braid can hide potential defects so that
a hose that externally appears perfect can be on the brink of failure.
However, the (very) few times I've had a rubber covered hose fail, I did
not notice any external symptoms before the failure. In fact, the last
failure I had never _was_ apparent from the outside.
I also don't believe that dirt, etc. working it's way through the braid is
a significant factor.
Bottom line, IMO, if you've got them, use them.
Randall
On Monday, May 10, 1999 8:52 AM, Keith S. Ehrlich [SMTP:kehrlich@dyax.com]
wrote:
>
> Hi Gang-
>
> There is a raging argument in process on another list about the safety
> wisdom of stainless steel brainded brake hoses , mostly against. Seems
> like a few people are militantly against SS hoses because road grit,
> dirt, salt ( if you are out in the winter) allegedly gets through the
> braiding as it flexes with the normal suspension travel. This stuff then
> acts abrasively internally against the thin rubber or teflon hose
> beneath such that you can end up with a perfectly clean looking hose on
> the outside that is or is about to be leaking internally. Thus regular
> examination of the hose used for street purposes is not necessarily an
> indicator of a bad hose, in their opinion. They say this is the reason
> the US DOT will not approve SS hoses for OEM applications.
>
> Having just installed quality SS hoses on my TR6, I am a little nervous
> and wondered how this "problem" was perceived here on our list and if
> any listers hasd strong feelings or experiences of this sort on their
> LBC's .
>
> (Admittedly, this other list's core braggadaccio is all about how far
> their cars go in a lifetime as daily drivers so perhaps its less of an
> issue for seasonal LBC drivers like me).
>
> TIA
>
> Keith Ehrlich
> 74 TR6
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