SS Brake Lines from Pelican, DOT & non-DOT Options

[thomasotten]

Can anyone tell me which of these two sets of brake lines from Pelican are the better ones. One is DOT approved, and cheaper, and the other isn't approved and a few more dollars.

Stainless Steel Brake Line Set, DOT Approved, Includes Front and Rear Lines, 914 1.7/1.8/2.0 (1972-1976), 914-6 (1972 on), Each
SS914D $49.25

Stainless Steel Brake Line Set, Non-DOT Approved, Includes Front and Rear Lines, 914 1.7/1.8/2.0 (1972-1976), 914-6 (1972 on), Each

$54.50

[JWest]

I once worked for one of the major automotive performance plumbing companies, so I know a little about the DOT vs non-DOT brake lines. I actually built them for a while!

The normal failure mode for stainless braided teflon hoses is a kink in the line. You can't kink a factory rubber hose, but you can kink a braided stainless line, and failure is eminent once this happens. The kink will nearly always occur next to the fitting.

When we made a DOT version, we used a special fitting with a larger ID. A teflon sleeve was inserted over the stainless braid at the end and crimped into the fitting. This would act as a strain relief so it would be much more difficult to get a kink in the hose.

I think we had to make the DOT hoses a little longer to insure they would not be extended beyond their length during operation.

Interestingly, once a hose exceeded a certain length (maybe 24 inches) there was no need for special fittings for DOT approval. The only requirement was to have "DOT" printed on the braid.

I have failed braided lines that were on cars too long - the customer was lucky I did it in the shop with a hard pedal push rather than have it happen to him out on the road!

For a street car, I recommend new rubber hoses every few years. And if you run braided, replace them every few years too.