Fox T-Bird/Cougar Forums

Technical => Suspension/Steering => Topic started by: 50tbrd88 on February 10, 2005, 10:23:35 AM

Title: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: 50tbrd88 on February 10, 2005, 10:23:35 AM
Hey all.  Before I put my car up for the winter I only got to drive it a few times and the snow hit.  I did notice that with the new turbo coupe rearend and discs it didn't stop nearly as good as what I had hoped.  I think the problem is that I didn't replace the original rubber brake hoses that go from the hard brake line to the caliper.  To remedy this I'm going to buy some steel braided lines I think.  Are there any brands/kits you guys recommend?
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: Nate on February 10, 2005, 10:30:22 AM
i just asked that lol

http://www.foxtbirdcougarforums.com/showthread.php?t=1459
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: EricCoolCats on February 10, 2005, 11:05:30 AM
Those hoses are notorious for breaking down and actually colllapse from the inside. Assuming the rest of your braking system is okay (and properly bled), replacing those should solve your problem. I am not aware of any stainless hard line-to-caliper hoses available. Probably have to just stick with the stock TC rubber ones. Those hoses are not cheap either.
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: The Hawk on February 10, 2005, 02:14:49 PM
I'm quite sure a set for Mustang with rear discs will work fine....however as Eric points out, not cheap. I would replace them with new OEM quality units.....the hoses are so short the gain from going to braided to eliminate hose flex would be minimal at best. I had a custom set made by a local shop for my car because the stockers had some cracks and I noticed no difference in pedal feel or stopping power.

 When you did the TC axle swap, what proportioning valve did you use? That could be the problem right there why you didn't feel a difference in braking power.
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: 50tbrd88 on February 11, 2005, 04:55:15 PM
Quote
When you did the TC axle swap, what proportioning valve did you use? That could be the problem right there why you didn't feel a difference in braking power.


The proportioning valve used was a Summitt racing one.  I know I probably should have spent a little more money and got a name brand one, but usually summitt has pretty good stuff.  I did notice that the prop. valve doesn't do a whole hell of a lot when adjusted (at least not as much as I'd hoped but this could be because of my assumed brake line problems in the rear). 

Quote
Those hoses are notorious for breaking down and actually colllapse from the inside. Assuming the rest of your braking system is okay


I know that everything is fine with my braking system...minus those hoses.  My guess is that they are the culprit.  So you guys think I'd be best off sticking to stock units for now?  Right now I'm running the stock brakes and MC but in the future I'd like to go to say a larger Cobra set up in the front.    Thanks for the help.  I'd like to get her stopping better for the warm weather.
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: blu84302 on February 12, 2005, 01:17:11 PM
When i swapped my rear end for an 8.8 disc setup, i used a JEGS prop valve.  I also don't feel alot of pedal/ stopping action.  I've replaced the all the lines and used an OEM brake line for the back.  I think the problem i have is my mastercylinder not the lines.  It should stop alot better than it does.
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: Cougar5.0 on February 12, 2005, 02:47:43 PM
Quote from: 50tbrd88
The proportioning valve used was a Summitt racing one.  I know I probably should have spent a little more money and got a name brand one, but usually summitt has pretty good stuff.  I did notice that the prop. valve doesn't do a whole hell of a lot when adjusted (at least not as much as I'd hoped but this could be because of my assumed brake line problems in the rear). 


The Summit piece is just a Wilwood piece with their name on it - probably not an issue.
Title: Re: Steel Braided brake lines
Post by: The Hawk on February 13, 2005, 11:02:02 AM
You guys did replace the stock master cylinder? The stock one is not good enough to use on a 4 wheel disc setup. Here's a link to some good info to get you in the right direction:

http://mjbobbitt.home.comcast.net/mustang/mc.html