pelican says at this link...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopca..._pg3.htm#item12

"Old, worn out original brake lines are not only bad for performance, but are outright dangerous. Replace your worn out factory original lines with high quality replacement lines. Or for better durability and increased stiffness of braking, replace your original lines with stainless steel braided ones. These lines will not expand when pressure is applied because of the outer stainless steel sheath."

but at this link they say...
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/9...MW_calipers.htm

WARNING: Stainless lines are for "off-road use only" (i.e. for racing), and there have been instances the stainless steel braid can wear through the Teflon lining, some with catastrophic results (i.e. deaths).

Captain Krusty says you will die if you use that stuff.....

The braided stuff they sell are not DOT approved. There are DOT braided s/s lines but it looks like Pelican doesn't carry them.

I think the idea I have heard here is that the non-DOT lines DO wear, and it is wear that you can't see in a visual inspection. Also the SS lines DO give you a better non-expanding brake line...... SO use them in racing situations where they will be replaced regularily as part of the normal maintenance schedule (seasonaly). For most road going cars they are a set and forget item, and this is where the danger lies.

I just went with brand new rubber lines from Eric Shea, unless you are building an all race car and everything is top notch I bet you'd never know the differance between SS and brand new rubber lines....

The difference between DOT approved and not approved is the manufacturer went through the process of having the lines DOT approved. This, in reality, means if you run NON-DOT and have an accident, the insurance company can bail out on paying you because NON-DOT is obviously sub-standard .

Good--then who makes the DOT approved braideds, and where can we get them? -C

Try Earl's...

Found a set here Automotion

I think this is good advice - thks - jim

and cheaper : )

The story I was told by a supplier many moons ago is that the lines are the same, but the DOT ones are more expensive because the manufacturer spent about $35,000.00 proving that they are safe and getting them certified by the DOT, so the cost is passed on. If you put stainless lines on your car, it will not stop any faster.
The pedal will feel harder, the lines will resist abrasion better, and they look really cool.

And that's the truth.... I just typed less.

I believe GPR sells both DOT and Non-DOT approved.

Andy

I actually have a set of both. I think they were made by
"Precise Lines". That is the name on the packaging.
Both were made by the same company and are packaged similarly.
The DOT ones do look different. The hose is bigger in diamter and
the crimping on the ends looks better made. The crimping just looks
better. See the attached photo.
The one with the yellow label are the DOT lines.
Click to view attachment

Holy crap, I just bought some awhile back! I hope I got DOT approved. I think I remember the yellow label, but I might just be imagining things.

I have have the non Dot ones fail on me....

Our own hwgunner just got in some DOT ss lines. Ya might try him.

i have used braided steel lines on my motorcycles for years. they do give a much more positive feel . i have NEVER had a line failure from a braided line.

Robin

Have HAD or Haven't had a non DOT line fail?

I run the racing line but will replace them every 12000 miles.

"I" think that's pretty good...

BTW, I run "M" calipers in front with stock rears including a stock proportioning valve, and iffin ya wanna drive my car and test the brakes, be ready, it'll throw ya thru the windshield...

Thanks for the actual info, as opposed to the myth that I was propogating.

so please tell US

I assume ya didn't die?

Sorry, I have had a front SS line fail on me, squirted all over the place but made it to the side of the road without disaster. I am quessing my lines were close to ten years old.

I got my DOT approved set from High Performance House.

T