Brake hoses

[russelljones48]

I've read through the info I could find on this site and would like to confirm that no vendor has pre-made SS braided lines for the Pagoda ('67 230SL).  My next question is: my searches for replacement rubber hoses (Rock Auto et. al.) does not yield an exact match for the w113 but lists other MB models in the same year.  My guess is that they'll work but I'd like to confirm.  I'd prefer the SS lines with ptfe liners if anyone knows of a source.

[merrill]

hi
check buds benz they are not inexpensive

https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/k-brakes

K226-073A
Bud's Stainless Steel Brake Hose Set
Front
**New Bud's exclusive product**
Set of 2 hoses
Pressure tested to 6,000PSI
Fits 230SL 250SL 280SL,
108 Chassis and other MB's

Bud's Stainless Steel Brake Hose Set
Rear
**New Bud's exclusive product**
Set of 2 hoses
Pressure tested to 6,000PSI
Fits: 230SL 250SL 280SL
108 chassis and other MB'

[teahead]

https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/k-brakes/K226-073A

https://www.budsbenz.com/catalog/230-250-280-sl/k-brakes/K226-073B

Man, kind of expensive, but at least they have them and you never have to worry about them.

On my W124, I replaced all four for $60 and good thing!  One was bulging and leaking!

If replacing, I would NOT hesitate to buy SS lines.

[ejboyd5]

Man, kind of expensive, but at least they have them and you never have to worry about them.

Most untrue.  Metal sheathing only gives some superficial protection against abrasion.  Brake line pressure is still controlled solely by inner rubber hose which is still subject to leaking, bulging, delamination, etc. Metal sheathing only makes it more difficult to spot some of these flaws through visual inspection.  Aside from the increased cost, there's good reason why OEM hoses are not sheathed. Reconsider your decision and use unsheathed flexible lines.

[russelljones48]

thank you all for the pointer to BUd's - didn't know that source existed.  To the comment on SS lines not being worth it.  At the moment I can't verify exactly how Bud's are put together but the SS hoses I have used in racing and street applications are mandated by many sanctioning organizations because the braided SS covering does protect them from track abrasion.  What you may be missing is that the "hose" itself is also different - most are PTFE (a plastic) and will expand much less than EDPM (synthetic rubber) which is what the typical replacement brake hoses are made of.  That improves two things for most performance drivers: 1.) feel - which means that a good driver can control braking without abs much better (better brake modulation) and 2.) the brake pistons actually actuate a little quicker because there is less line expansion in the system.  IMHO the primary reason for making this upgrade to our cars is the ability to modulate better in a panic stop and the probability that the upgrade would slightly shorten stopping distance.  1 foot from 70MPH is meaningful to me I've had it make the difference between having damage and not.  My car will also get a more aggressive pad and shoe material if I can find it for the shoes.  I'm not a brake engineer but better lines and brakes can make a difference.

[MikeSimon]

I have some experience with SS brake lines also and I shy away from using them on cars. While most of my motorcycles have SS brake lines, the issue on cars is the movement of the line on the front wheels. The wheel cut results in rather large movements of the brake line and I have seen SS lines looking rather bad after a while due to the extensive flex.

[450sl]

i recently bought these :

https://www.ebay.nl/itm/282887105878?ViewItem=&item=282887105878

[ejboyd5]

Let's remember that the original inquiry applied to road cars, not race vehicles that are subject to more frequent and stricter inspections.  For everyday use, go OEM.

[russelljones48]

I guess it's each to his own..  I'll take better control and shorter stopping distances.  OEM often isn't better, just cheaper and racing is often the test bed for the development of better technology.  Thanks for the pointers to Budds and other sources.  I'm QUITE unhappy with Authentic Classics at the moment so I will buy from Budds