Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => Drive train, fuel, suspension, steering & brakes => Topic started by: Buz on February 21, 2008, 19:54:04

Title: SS brake lines?
Post by: Buz on February 21, 2008, 19:54:04

Does anyone offer stainless braided brake lines for the 113? It would be nice to find them pre made up and know they will last a long time?

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: rwmastel on February 21, 2008, 22:12:19

I believe members find the stock brake lines last several years.  Everyone will probably have different opinions on when to change them, but I would expect 5 to 10 years from them.

Rodd
Pagoda Technical Manual
please contibute: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/pmwiki.php
1966 230SL
2006 C230 Sport Sedan

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: abe280SL on February 22, 2008, 00:48:52

I bought my car in 1990 and they were used.  I didn't replace them till last year....but I only put 12k miles on the car. I bought a set for the rear and they still looked so good I did not replace them. Unless you drive every day or race, these things should last you at least 10-15  years. I have never considered buying S/S.
abe

abe
1968 280SL Auto
Signal Red w Beige Int

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: graphic66 on February 22, 2008, 07:30:12

They would look really cool and racey though. I would like to have them just for the coolness factor.

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: Benz Dr. on February 22, 2008, 08:15:45

I change all brake hoses on cars that come in here unless they look new. Usually the metal ends will start to rust about the same time the service life is up. I don't ask if you want them changed, I just do it. Never had a complaint by anyone given the value of the car.

Dan Caron's
 SL Barn
benzbarn@ebtech.net
 slbarn.mbz.org
  1 877 661 6061

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: mdsalemi on February 25, 2008, 07:03:40

Buz,

You'll probably find that SS braided brake lines look more cool than behave better.  And once installed, the coolness factor is gone as unless you get down and search for them you and nobody else will see them.

Rubber deteriorates from age and use, and the braiding adds a measure of protection, but they still wear out internally and at the ends.

Nonetheless there are many vendors who will make them for you,  just send them a sample line.  Google "braided stainless steel brake lines" and you'll be busy sorting out the possibilities.

Michael Salemi
1969 280SL
Signal Red 568G w/Black Leather (Restored)
President, International Stars Section
Mercedes-Benz Club of America

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: Chad on February 26, 2008, 20:23:43

I've heard those SS lines make the stopping/pedal response stiffer, all other things remaining equal.  Is this the case?




1967 230SL

Title: Re: SS brake lines?
Post by: Raymond on February 26, 2008, 22:05:02

The stopping response is better with new or stainless lines.  The volume of brake fluid moved by the booster is a fixed amount for given pedal travel.  Older rubber lines "balloon" just slightly, reducing the pressure of fluid pressed against the slave cylinders at each wheel.  It happens very slowly and is not readily apparent but when you replace them you'll feel a huge difference in the pedal.

I like Dan's approach.  When in doubt replace them.  About 3 months after I put new lines on my car, I found fluid under the right rear wheel.  It seems a stone or something had nicked the line.  Rare but it happened.  I just replaced the one line then.  However, when I get a chance, I'll buy the braided lines.  

When I do get them, I'll get them just a few millimeters longer to allow more suspension travel than the stock lengths.  When the car is on a lift, the stock lines in back are stretched.

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe