Brake Line Real Talk

[cobra]

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-4...ection-571.106

If I'm reading this correctly, although the lines should be constructed to be capable of meeting the tests described in 5.3.x, an individual line is only required to be tested against 5.3.1 and only one of the tests from 5.3.2 to 5.3.13. So I suspect the majority of DOT labeled lines aren't pressure tested.

That's very interesting! Thanks for the info.

[PSUEng]

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-4...ection-571.106

If I'm reading this correctly, although the lines should be constructed to be capable of meeting the tests described in 5.3.x, an individual line is only required to be tested against 5.3.1 and only one of the tests from 5.3.2 to 5.3.13. So I suspect the majority of DOT labeled lines aren't pressure tested.

Well, the gray area to consider is when the phrase "For offroad use only" is used. It's possible that if that is slapped on the part package, FMVSS requirements and in this case, pressure testing, likely don't apply. A better manufacturer would adhere to these, or more stringent, requirements; but not all.

[bigjae46]

Well, the gray area to consider is when the phrase "For offroad use only" is used. It's possible that if that is slapped on the part package, FMVSS requirements and in this case, pressure testing, likely don't apply. A better manufacturer would adhere to these, or more stringent, requirements; but not all.

Yeah, that's usually to tell a consumer not my fault if you get pulled over and cited or fail an inspection due to the part.

I think with aftermarket brake hoses it comes down to being competitive. If tuning shop A is pumping out brake hoses for $100 and then tuning shop B makes and pressure tests their hoses and sells for $150...usually tuning shop A wins.

[PSUEng]

Yeah, that's usually to tell a consumer not my fault if you get pulled over and cited or fail an inspection due to the part.

I think with aftermarket brake hoses it comes down to being competitive. If tuning shop A is pumping out brake hoses for $100 and then tuning shop B makes and pressure tests their hoses and sells for $150...usually tuning shop A wins.

You're right, my broader point is that the OEM is held to certain regs whereas the aftermarket is often not. So, buyer beware when deviating from the OE part with regard to knowing which manufacturing, or regulation standards have been incorporated into the design, manufacturing processes. I work for a major automaker and have been involved in those areas of parts and vehicle mfg for a long time now. What I see on the aftermarket blows me away sometimes and really leaves me wondering what people are putting on their vehicles.

[cobra]

You're right, my broader point is that the OEM is held to certain regs whereas the aftermarket is often not. So, buyer beware when deviating from the OE part with regard to knowing which manufacturing, or regulation standards have been incorporated into the design, manufacturing processes. I work for a major automaker and have been involved in those areas of parts and vehicle mfg for a long time now. What I see on the aftermarket blows me away sometimes and really leaves me wondering what people are putting on their vehicles.

I agree! There is some downright sketchy Ace Hardware crap out there.

[Arith2]

My Ralley Road brake lines work just fine after 20k miles. Only an issue is with that stupid rubber grommet but it doesn't rub. I inspect them every few months and see no issue. There is also no debris from the inner rubber hose in the brake fluid. I probably won't ride them out past 10 years though just because of some of the issues discussed. BMW brake lines typically start to sweat at the 18 to 20 year mark in my experience. This doesn't seem to be as mileage related and I've seen them sweating sooner on lower mileage vehicles. Stoner Joe and his 2001 E46 with 250k miles and every light on the dash, rocking original brake fluid, will visibly have OK lines. He will receive his free-99 recall and be on his way with a $30k on everything else. Then Old Fart Jenkins who never wore shoes in his Z3, kept in the garage, did brake flushes every two years and puts 1k miles a year on the car will need brake lines. It's the stupidest thing.

[bigjae46]

My Ralley Road brake lines work just fine after 20k miles. Only an issue is with that stupid rubber grommet but it doesn't rub. I inspect them every few months and see no issue. There is also no debris from the inner rubber hose in the brake fluid. I probably won't ride them out past 10 years though just because of some of the issues discussed. BMW brake lines typically start to sweat at the 18 to 20 year mark in my experience. This doesn't seem to be as mileage related and I've seen them sweating sooner on lower mileage vehicles. Stoner Joe and his 2001 E46 with 250k miles and every light on the dash, rocking original brake fluid, will visibly have OK lines. He will receive his free-99 recall and be on his way with a $30k on everything else. Then Old Fart Jenkins who never wore shoes in his Z3, kept in the garage, did brake flushes every two years and puts 1k miles a year on the car will need brake lines. It's the stupidest thing.

Yeah, stupid rubber grommet on the front. A loose zip tie has worked well for me. Same thing on the rear…

[Tbonem3]

HEL

[R717]

I agree! There is some downright sketchy Ace Hardware crap out there.

QFT - Visual evidence of shit generic lines from one of the typical parts vendors for my 911. I had installed them and while bleeding this fitting blew off. Bad crimp - I had been careful while installing (didn't twist the line, drop a caliper connected, etc.). Speaking with a few folks I wasn't the first to experience this. I immediately got some goodridge lines and the quality difference was obvious.

[L0okitzRaj]

A quick bit of info.


Turner lines are each tested to 3000PSI, and are DOT (from what is stated on their website/ecs)

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m...022752tms02~a/


Edit, i just realized these are DOT compliant, but potentially can just be compliant and not actually DOT registered as BW's lines are.


link to bw's website... read the wording.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/E46-M3-PFC-Z45-Insulated-Front-V2-Stainless-Steel-Brake-Line-Kit.html

[bigjae46]

A quick bit of info.


Turner lines are each tested to 3000PSI, and are DOT (from what is stated on their website/ecs)

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-turner-m...022752tms02~a/


Edit, i just realized these are DOT compliant, but potentially can just be compliant and not actually DOT registered as BW's lines are.


link to bw's website... read the wording.

https://www.bimmerworld.com/E46-M3-PFC-Z45-Insulated-Front-V2-Stainless-Steel-Brake-Line-Kit.html

Yes, they state the lines are pressure tested. That’s for 2 lines for a PFC BBK.

[cobra]

I have decided to go with OEM lines as replacements.

My original lines are labeled ATE on them. FCP offers "genuine bmw", or ATE for 1/3 of the cost, but the ATE looks different. The OE has that dull grey zinc coating and the ATE brand looks like a standard yellow zinc. I wonder if ATE has their oe offering and aftermarket offering with a less corrosion resistance and cheaper fittings.

[Tbonem3]

I feel like at this point in time, there aren't many OEM offerings that are exactly the same as the OE part the company made for BMW in 2000. Even if the company is around, materials must have changed, not to mention relocating manufacturing to a cheaper location.

[PSUEng]

Bumping this thread to ask the clutch line question: dollar for dollar HEL clutch line is about the same as Gen BMW--which to choose?

[cobra]

Can't go wrong with OEM in most cases