braided brake / clutch hoses?

[upjeeper]

Have any of you guys replaced your brake hoses with braided ones? Thinking maybe my clutch hose has issues.
Was hoping for a recommendation where to buy new hoses from. Many places are HUGE $$$$

[John Schmidt]

Barnett.

[X Ring]

I went with Galfer and did my brakes at the same time.

Marty

[GJS]

I went with Galfer a few years back.
The front brake lines are fine.
I also did the throttle cables for looks. They turned to crap after two seasons. Water got in the jackets and discolored everything. I went back to stock throttle cables.

When I looked into the Clutch and rear brake lines, I could not bring myself to change either.
The rear brake hose on an Interstate is only about 6 inches long, the rest is solid pipe.
With the clutch, same deal, most of it is solid pipe.

I have always liked braided steel lines for the front, they just feel more responsive and positive.


Glenn

[fordmano]

I will let you know my opinion in a month or so,, I just purchased the full setup of GALFER steel braided lines off of EBAY with a bottle of fluid for $199.00 free shipping

Kit included all 3 peices for front brake lilnes the rear brake line and also the clutch line and all mounting and connecting hardware and a bottle of GALFER fluid, so I hope I did good that was the cheapest I could find the whole kit.

Will report back eventually I got lots of stuf to do to my Fat Lady before I get it back on the road, so it will be  a month or so probably.

[upjeeper]

fordmano - any opinions yet?
i've got a slight clutch fluid leak somewhere, i'm contemplating redoing all my lines

[Ferris Leets]

pashnit33@yahoo.com  I just got a full brake set for the IS (+2" on the fronts) from Tim Mayhew.  $99.95 delivered.  With the clutch line it would have ben about $150.  Great service and good people.

[Grungie]

NOTE: on the slight fluid leak. If you do not find it on the hose or visable fittings, you need to check the slave cyclinder! Brake fluid in the wrong places can hurt!

[FLAVALK]

About 8-years ago I changed to all stainless braided lines. Don't recall the manufacturer...think it was Barnett but not sure. After about three-four years, all of the fittings on the front were rusted/crunked up rather badly. Keep in mind that while the lines themselves might be stainless, the fittings may not be. Three years ago I changed them out for Galfer and the fittings look as good today as they did new.
I also have a stainless choke line (Motion Pro) and the fitting (chromed steel) under the clutch reservoir is beginning to pit/rust. It's only about two years old. 


Just my experience

[FLAVALK]

I will let you know my opinion in a month or so,, I just purchased the full setup of GALFER steel braided lines off of EBAY with a bottle of fluid for $199.00 free shipping

Kit included all 3 peices for front brake lilnes the rear brake line and also the clutch line and all mounting and connecting hardware and a bottle of GALFER fluid, so I hope I did good that was the cheapest I could find the whole kit.

Will report back eventually I got lots of stuf to do to my Fat Lady before I get it back on the road, so it will be  a month or so probably.

If you don't have them already, this is a great time to add Speed-Bleeders. 

[Disco]

I went Galfer for clutch and both brakes this past spring.  It's still early, but I'm impressed so far.  Nice looking stuff and fit like a glove.  I was after improved braking.  The clutch line was mostly aesthetic.  I still need to do throttle and choke.

I like the Galfer front brake setup because it's remove and replace.  One banjo and line at the master cylinder down to a tee that replaces the oem tee (and stows the new lines like the oem lines by using the oem retainers) and down to the calipers.  The Barnett setup I've seen runs 2 separate lines from master cylinder to caliper(s).

Considering the sturdiness of the oem clutch line, I'd rule out leaks at the ends before pulling the tank to inspect.  If you are leaking under the tank where the line goes from rubber to metal and back, you might consider a wrench party to do the clutch and rear brake at the same time as a rear end inspection / maintenance.  Based on my experience, I don't see how installing the rear line can be done without the rear wheel/tire removed.

If your clutch fluid leak can be fixed without replacing the line, go ahead and do the fronts.  It's easy and, along with the new oem pads, really did improve my situation.