Braided Hoses

[kjmac]

Is there a braided hose kit available over here for the 'ro? Would this offer better feel for my standard VXR brake setup do people think?

[Well_Fans]

there was someone on here bought a set from the US and said they'd give us some feedback on the difference but I don't recall them ever doing so as I was keen to see if it might help with the spongy feel of the VXR brakes I fitted to my CV8.

[kjmac]

Well_Fans said:

... as I was keen to see if it might help with the spongy feel of the VXR brakes I fitted to my CV8.

Yep, it's not good when I drive 1 litre sh*tboxes and come away impressed with their stopping power compared to mine. I'd love to banish that soft pedal.

[Ferb]

I made my hoses myself after shoping at the local motorcycle shop, they do help

[mobile01]

i got a set from oz and was pretty pleased with the result but not sure if it was just a placebo effect, at the end of the day they cant make the brakes any worse

[MyM8V8]

Another old chestnut revisited! As always - two schools of thought.

This is mine: The hydraulic pressure produced in a braking system is quite high. High enough for the fluid to expand the rubber flexible lines. When it does this, it produces that spongy feel caused by the pedal travelling further than it would if the hoses did not expand.

I have had other people tell me it does not make any difference. In that case why don't racing cars and bikes use rubber hoses? They're far cheaper after all? The simple answer is that in racing you can't afford to have brake lag, it wastes time. The transfer of brake effort from the pedal to the pad needs to happen as quickly and firmly as possible and that means you can't afford to have the fluid expanding into the rubber hoses. The steel braided lines reduce this expansion giving a harder pedal and quicker response.

The other school will argue, quite rightly, that ultimately the braking pressure/force will be the same.

I've had this discussion with a notable supplier of parts and service to the marque, having had the big brakes fitted. I asked about the availability of braided lines as many people down under had complained of spongy pedals. He said it would be fine and I should try the brakes in his demo car. Demo car was great with a nice stiff pedal. Mine wasn't. Turns out that said gentleman found out later that the demo had been fitted with braided steel hoses.

Quad Erat Demonstrandum!

BTW no complaints from me intended here, as with many things, it's down to a matter of personal taste and focus. Each to his own.

[paramoreg]

MyM8V8 said:

In that case why don't racing cars and bikes use rubber hoses?

With my road bikes, I've typically changed from the standard rubber to black braided hoses. The way I view it when new, the rubber lines should offer same performance as braided, but over time as the rubber gets older its more prone to stretching under pressure.

Therefore at some point it'll be worth changing to braided to get a more consistent feel, especially under extended high speed use, so worth doing when a natural opportunity presents itself or just because you have some money burning your pocket!!

[kjmac]

Thanks guys, especially for the interesting post MyM8V8. Appreciate you taking the time. As my brake fluid may be past its prime I've been considering changing the hoses before spanking nearly £80 on a fluid change! If I can get hold of the bits I'll let people know my thoughts

[MadMaxHSV]

Certainly available from the US.

http://www.haddadmotorsports.com/catalog/goodridge...

Will be getting a set myself come AP day (soon hopefully). Personal experience is braided lines offer a better pedal feeling. Both with brakes and clutch.

[kjmac]

MadMaxHSV said:

Certainly available from the US.

[url]www.haddadmotorsports.com/catalog/goodridge-brake-line-12283-p-163.html[/url]

Will be getting a set myself come AP day (soon hopefully). Personal experience is braided lines offer a better pedal feeling. Both with brakes and clutch.

Ah, excellent link - many thanks

[Drew SS]

www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakes.jsp?&make=Goodridge&model=G-Stop+Brakeline+Kit&group=G-Stop+Brakeline+Kit&autoMake=Pontiac&autoModel=GTO&autoYear=2004&autoModClar=&perfCode=S


these are a little cheaper

[MadMaxHSV]

Be careful though. They list another part number for the 2005/2006 gto which should be the equivalent to a late VXR.

[kjmac]

MadMaxHSV said:

Be careful though. They list another part number for the 2005/2006 gto which should be the equivalent to a late VXR.

Well spotted

[swordfishcoupe]

Wonder if the later one is the same for the VZ Monaro in general ?? Anyone likely to know ?

Thanks

[Well_Fans]

remember that if you have an 04 CV8 that had VXR brakes added as an upgrade that the rear needed longer hoses than the stock 04 ones. I'd be very careful about making sure you get the correct length hoses for the job.