Most people never think about their car's brake lines. They're just there, hidden away, doing their job. But if you're into motorsports, brake lines suddenly become very important.
I learned this the hard way years ago when I first started taking my car to track days. I had upgraded the brakes themselves–new pads, rotors, the works. But I kept the stock rubber brake lines. Big mistake.
Why upgrade to braided brake lines?
When you press the brake pedal, you're creating hydraulic pressure in the brake system. This pressure needs to be transmitted efficiently to the brake calipers to squeeze the pads against the rotors.
It turns out rubber brake lines also expand under the high heat and pressure of track driving. This expansion absorbs some of the force you're trying to apply to the brakes. Your braking power quite literally gets sapped away into stretching rubber, and you might never notice this in day-to-day driving.
In high-performance situations, however, this is a problem. As the brake fluid heats up from repeated hard stops, the rubber gets more pliable. This makes the expansion worse, leading to a soft, squishy brake pedal. And in racing, this is what we call brake fade.
Such situations are where stainless steel brake lines swoop in to save the day. They're made with a Teflon core wrapped in a stainless steel braid. This construction allows them to flex, but prevents expansion under pressure.The result is a firmer pedal feel and more consistent braking performance, especially under high-stress conditions. Stainless lines are also more resistant to damage from road debris.
It's worth noting that the expansion in rubber brake lines isn't as dramatic as some people make it out to be. Modern rubber lines are reinforced to minimise this effect. The real advantage of stainless lines comes in extreme conditions, when heat and repeated hard use start to take their toll.
In the end, like most car upgrades, it comes down to what you're trying to achieve. If you're chasing those last few tenths of a second on the track, stainless brake lines will definitely help. If you're just commuting to work, you're probably fine with what you have.
Signs your brake lines need an upgrade
Spongy brakes
That spongey, soft response you get when you step on the brakes is not just unsettling; it is a classic red flag that your brake lines could fail. This is often more pronounced in rubber lines, which tend to degrade over time with heat and pressure from intense driving conditions common in motorsports.
Fading brake performance
You probably have noticed your brakes feeling less effective during a long drive or after several hard stops. This is not just your imagination; it is known as brake fade and can signal that your current brake lines are not keeping up. Rubber brake lines, which flex under pressure, are particularly susceptible.
Swelling brake lines
Bulging brake lines are a tell-tale sign of older or low-quality rubber brake lines wearing out. These swollen lines can dramatically affect how quickly you can stop, which is especially crucial in racing scenarios because of their effect on fluid pressure distribution.
Leaking brake fluid
Spotting a pool of brake fluid under your car is an immediate red flag. If you see this, it is often due to corroded or damaged brake lines, compromising your braking system's integrity. Leaks from worn-out rubber lines can drastically reduce the efficiency of your brakes, leaving you with sluggish response times or no response at all in extreme cases.
Visible rust or corrosion
Take a moment to eye your brake lines for any signs of rust or corrosion, particularly if you are rolling with older cars that have been through numerous seasons. These imperfections are not just cosmetic issues but can lead to serious braking problems, such as leaks or bursts under high pressure.
When to make the switch
So when should you upgrade your brake lines? Here are a few key scenarios:
Track days and autocross events
If you're serious about track days or autocross, stainless lines are worth considering. They'll give you more consistent performance as your brakes heat up over multiple laps and can dramatically improve braking performance and driver confidence. Even for cars that never see a racetrack, braided brake lines can significantly improve the driving experience.
When building a race car and complementing other brake upgrades
If you're increasing the power output of your car, since more power means higher speeds, which means more energy to dissipate when braking. If you've added 50 horsepower to your engine but haven't touched the brakes, you're asking for trouble. Also If you've invested in bigger calipers or more aggressive brake pads, don't let rubber lines become the weak link in your braking system. Upgrading to braided lines ensures that your entire braking system works cohesively, maximising the benefits of your other upgrades.
Proline's in-house brake line production allows for custom fitments, ensuring compatibility with various caliper and pad setups.
Aging vehicles
Rubber brake lines degrade over time, potentially leading to a catastrophic failure. While this is rare, it's not something you want to risk, especially if you're pushing your car to its limits on the track. Steel lines, properly installed, eliminate this risk. And for cars over 6 years old, upgrading to fresh lines is a wise choice, even for street driving.
Legal considerations
When it comes to MOT testing in the UK, brake lines are indeed a critical component that receives inspection. According to the official UK government MOT inspection manual:
- Condition: Brake pipes and hoses must not be seriously corroded, chafed, cracked, or damaged.
- Security: All brake pipes and hoses must be correctly secured and not at risk of failure.
- Leaks: There should be no leaks from pipes, hoses, or connections.
- Length and positioning: Brake hoses must not be stretched or twisted when the steering is at full lock.
The key factors are the condition, flexibility, security, and functionality of the lines, regardless of their material.
What You're Really Paying For
Stainless brake lines won't make your car faster or stop in a shorter distance. What they offer is consistency–the assurance that your brakes will feel and perform the same on the last lap as they did on the first. For serious drivers, that consistency is worth the upgrade. Remember, in motorsport, it's often the small details that make the big differences. Your brake lines might seem insignificant, but they play a crucial role in how your car performs when it matters most.
Ask yourself these questions:
- Do you regularly participate in track days or autocross events?
- Have you experienced brake fade during high-performance driving?
- Are you already upgrading other parts of your braking system?
- Are your current brake lines old or showing signs of wear?
If you answered yes to any of these, stainless steel brake lines might be a worthwhile upgrade for you.
FAQs
1. How often should brake lines be replaced?
Brake lines don't have a set replacement interval like oil or tyres, but it's wise to inspect them regularly, especially if you frequently participate in motorsport events. Have your brake lines inspected during every major service, typically every 12,000 miles, annually or after an accident, especially one affecting the wheel areas.
As a general rule, consider replacing rubber brake lines every 5-6 years, regardless of mileage and for vehicles over 10 years old. And brake lines should be carefully assessed, even if they appear fine visually.
2. Will upgrading my brake line void my car warranty?
Upgrading your brake lines shouldn't void your warranty, provided the new components do not directly cause damage to other parts of your vehicle; however, it's always recommended to check with your specific manufacturer or warranty policy. Some might have stipulations regarding modifications, so it's wise to verify this beforehand to ensure you remain covered.
