[s-cars] Rear brake saga - The Questions have Ended!

[Eric Phillips]

On 2/24/06, Theodore Chen <tedebearp at yahoo.com> wrote:
> --- Eric Phillips <gcmschemist at gmail.com> wrote:
> >
> > And to get those kind of lines, you buy an assembled line from someone
> > who's done the appropriate paperwork, and sent the line samples to a
> > lab that tests those sorts of things.  This says nothing about how
> > good Ted's lines are.  It's all about CYA, nothing more.
>
> true.  the DOT test is just a whip test that has zero relevance to
> a properly supported brake line, but...
>
> DOT-approved braided steel hoses have a spring support or other
> method of preventing kinking of the hose near the hose end (the
> most highly stressed portion) during the whip test.  that's the
> only difference, and it has zero real benefit if you never allow
> the calipers to dangle from the hoses (and you shouldn't).

I don't.  :)

Relevance?  Since when did any bureaucrat consider relevance?  I agree
with your comments to Steve - making your own hose is not rocket
science.  The proper parts and tools makes the job trivial. 
Especially to those of us who have ever plumbed high-pressure tubing.

But common-sense stuff like that won't fly with any sort of
insurance-company-related issues.  Their goal is to not pay claims,
and anything to accomplish that goal will be used.

So, I take that tool from their hands, and swallow the fact that even
though you or I could make lines just as good (or better) than
StopTech, I'm not going to take the chance.  CYA.

> > I've been talking with Matt at StopTech, and I think that he can help
> > me out no matter which way I go - banjo or NPT.  One of the advantages
> > of banjo is that you avoid line-twist issues that can arise from
> > having to spin the whole line (as with NPT) as opposed to just using a
> > bolt.
>
> the fittings i use are earl's swivel-seal.  line-twist isn't a problem.
> you don't need both ends to be swivel-seal.  just one.

Ooo, I like it.  And, if you install the line on the caliper first,
then scew the hardline fitting into it's end, there is no twist issue
either, swivel or no.  The only issue left is routing.  You say it's
no problem.  Good enough for me.  :)

> i think people from BIRA have also gotten lines from paragon.  they
> should already know the correct hose lengths and fittings to use.

I haven't heard back from them yet.  Which is a little strange.

> > Hmmm - an NPT fitting would have essentially zero fluid flow
> > restrictions, however...
>
> i wouldn't worry about that.  there isn't much fluid flow in a
> properly bled brake system, which is why you can use skinny little
> -3 hose.

Good to know.  Even with a four-piston caliper, huh?  It's not intuitive.

Eric