Re: SS brake lines

[Frank Deutschmann <fhd@interport.net>]

AUDIDUDI@delphi.com sez:
> I find it interesting that a part that's too expensive for a manufacturer to
> buy at the wholesale level is generally cheaper than the "cheaper" parts the
> manufacturer used instead when bought at the retail level.  I don't remember
> learning anything about this in Econ 504 (maybe I played hooky that day?)...

One thing that this leaves out is the construction of the factory lines:
if you cut one appart, you will find that they are rubber on the inside,
rubber on the outside, and a layer of woven steel or kevlar between the two
layers!

The big difference between stock and SS lines is not that they have a braided
sheath, but rather that the aftermarket SS lines use an incompressible
inner hose (Tefflon).  The expense of this piece is offset by the lower
cost of installing fittings (no expensive swagging equipment and Q/C) and
the savings in not constructing a multi-layer hose.

But you must be *very* careful to get good quality SS lines; if the teflon
is not properly bonded to the SS sheath, the line will fail.  If the sheath
is damaged (kinking, etc), the line will fail.  If the fittings are not
properly installed (a big if), the line will fail.  None of these problems
are necessairly readily visible!

Brakes -- and all component parts -- should be considered life support
equipment!

-frank
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