Stainles brake lines - worth it?

You will feel a difference, not major but you will feel more confidence while braking. I think money is never waisted when improving the brakes. Oh yea pedal feel will feel slightly firmer.

Brakes work on hydraulic pressure so when you eliminate components that swell like the standard brake hoses then the money is always worth it

Yes you can modulate your braking force as needed a lot better with those.

A worthwhile investment if you ask me.

i have the J&M lines and would recommend them to anyone. easy install and braking is noticeably better under hard braking.

click the link in my sig for a how to.

bigcat said:

i have the J&M lines and would recommend them to anyone. easy install and braking is noticeably better under hard braking.

click the link in my sig for a how to.

Click to expand...

Thanks, it sounds like it may be a worth while mod. I've never been a big fan of the brakes on my car and this may give me a little more confidence. I am definately going to be upgrading the pads until I can afford a big brake upgrade to the car. So the addition of the lines as well, may be just the interim ticket. I'm not racing it so I don't think I need too get to radical, at least not yet.

i will have to have mike check on it. some links are not up due to moving them to the new setup. someone will post the link when its moved.
in the mean time, the picture links wont work in this, but here is the text.

S197 Stainless Steel Brake Lines Install

Tools needed: 10mm & 12mm line wrenches, trim removal tool, 10mm socket, & ratchet.

Additional materials needed: DOT 3 brake fluid, new banjo bolt washers (optional).

TIP: Starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder and working towards the master cylinder will help speed up the bleeding process.

Step 1. Raise the vehicle to working height, and properly support it. Remove the wheels and set aside.

Step 2. Starting at the passenger side rear wheel, remove the plastic retaining clips on the brake lines. Use the trim tool to gently pry the lines from the clip. Separating the ends of the clip will allow the lines to slide out easier.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9811 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9811a" /></a>

Step 3. Using your 12mm line wrench, loosen the nut at the front end of the brake lines, and the banjo bolt at the caliper connection point. Using the proper line wrench will ease removal and help prevent any possible damage to the fasteners. At this point, just loosen the fasteners, but do not remove them completely.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9802 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9802a" /></a>

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9814 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9814a" /></a>

Step 4. After the fasteners are loosened, you can remove the bracket near the front brake line connection, using a 10mm socket and ratchet. It is attached to the frame rail. If you try to remove this bracket before loosening the brake line fittings, you risk damaging the hard brake lines.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9805 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9805a" /></a>

Step 5. Finish removing the fasteners on each connection of the brake line, and remove the brake line. Make sure to note the angle the old brake line attaches to the caliper. You will need to reinstall the new lines the same way.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9814 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9814a" /></a>

Step 6. The connection at the brake caliper has what is called a banjo bolt. There is a hole drilled into the side and through the middle of the bolt to allow fluid to pass. On each side of the brake line, there is a copper washer. If you opted not to purchase new washers, you will need to gently remove the washers, being very careful to not damage them. The washers need to be clean, and free from nicks, gouges, bends, etc. to ensure a good seal when you reassemble the lines. Also note that one side of the washer is smooth, and the other has grooves. When assembling the hardware to the new lines, you will need to install the washers the correct way.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9846 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9846" /></a>

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9847 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9847" /></a>


Step 7. Install the washers and banjo bolt onto the new stainless steel brake lines, making sure the grooved part of each washer meets the grooves on the new brake lines.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9825 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9825" /></a>


Step 8. Loosely install the fasteners for the new brake line at each connection point. Make sure the connection at the caliper is reinstalled in the same orientation that it was removed. It should point down and away from the caliper.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9832 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9832" /></a>


Step 9. Reinstall the clips on the brake lines, and then reinstall the bracket on the frame rail. Tighten the brake line connections.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9830 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9830" /></a>


Step 10. Remove the bleeder screw cover. The bleeder screw is located on the topside of the caliper. Gently pull on it or use the trim tool to gently lift on the bottom edge while pulling away from the caliper.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9833 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9833" /></a>


Bleed the brakes using your preferred method. The tried and true two-man method is shown below.

Step 11. Open the hood and clean the master cylinder top and cap. Remove the master cylinder cap. Check the fluid level and add if necessary. Reinstall the cap.

NOTE: DO NOT have the engine running during this process. Bleed the brakes with the car off.

Step 12. Have your helper jump in the car and pump the brake pedal several times, and then hold the pedal down. Open the bleeder screw, and then close it again. Have your helper pump the brake pedal several more times, and hold again. Open the bleeder screw and close before the pedal hits the floor. Continue this process until no more air bubbles are present when you open the bleeder screw. Check the fluid level regularly and fill as necessary. Once the air bubbles stop, you can move to the driver side rear wheel. Repeat this process for each brake line.

Step 13. Moving to the passenger side front, remove the clips on the brake lines. Use the same process as you did for the rear clips.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9838 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9838" /></a>


Step 14. Remove the 10mm bolt that attaches the brake line to the strut.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9843 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9843" /></a>


Step 15. Using a __mm line wrench, loosen the nut at the front connection, but do not remove. Remove the 10mm bolt at the bracket that attaches the brake line to the front frame rail. Finish removing the nut and pull the front connection apart.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9845 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9845" /></a>

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9842 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9842" /></a>


Step 16. Note the orientation the brake line connects to the caliper. Remove the banjo bolt from the caliper. The banjo bolt is at the bottom rear of the caliper. Carefully remove the copper washers from the banjo bolt using the same method as for the rear lines.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9825 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9825" /></a>


Step 17. Install the banjo bolt and washers into the new stainless steel brake line, making sure the grooves in the washers match the grooves on the new lines.

Step 18. Loosely install the banjo bolt to the caliper and the nut to the hard line at the front connection.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9851 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9851" /></a>


Step 19. Reinstall the bracket to the frame rail, and then attach the clips to the brake lines. If you attach the bracket before connecting the brake lines, it will be very difficult to connect the lines without damaging the hard lines.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9850 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9850" /></a>


Step 20. Tighten the connections and remove the bleeder screw cover. On the front brakes, the bleeder screw is at the rear of the caliper. Use the same method as was used for the rear brake lines. Check the fluid level in the master cylinder and add if necessary.
Repeat the bleeding process. Once the passenger side front line is bled, move to the driver side front.

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9855 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9855" /></a>

<a rel="lightbox[saleenshkrchrgr]" href="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9856 "><img style="margin: 0px;" class="album" title="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" alt="Saleen ShakerCharger for S197 Ford Mustang" src="http://www.stangnet.com/images/stories/tech/s197_ss_brake_line_install/HPIM9856" /></a>

Repeat the process for the driver side. When finished bleeding the line, bleed all the lines again in the same order-farthest from the master cylinder to the closest. This will insure that all air has been removed from the lines.

Torque Specifications:
Bleeder screw: 89lb-in.
Brake flexible hose bracket bolts: 15lb-ft.
Brake line fittings: 13lb-ft.