Plastic Brake Lines?

n0nka · #1 10-22-2007, 12:43 AM

Anyone have experience with plastic brake lines?

I replaced the brake master cylinder today, in preparation for replacing the brake proportioning valve when it comes in. The master cylinder was full of murky, rusty looking sludge in the bottom. I couldn't see sending that stuff into the new proportioning valve and possibly ruining it. Anyway, back to the question.

I see plastic brake lines available in some of the racing car catalogs. No rust, no special tools, light weight, and it's clear. You can see the fluid, and possibly air, if you're bleeding them. I plan to keep this Jeep a long long time. I don't mind doing things differently, but plastic brake lines seems like a radical departure from steel. Here's one example.

Performance Bodies - Leader in the manufacturing of aluminum stock car bodies.
Part# 41896 - Kit includes: 25 feet of brake line with all the necessary fittings. Increases stopping power. Rated to 1900 lbs.

I'm looking for opinions, concerns, or best of all, experience. Has anyone on the board used these on a Jeep before?

Thanks, Mark

JeepDawg · #2 10-22-2007, 01:09 AM

NFW......
I use polly flow for air lines....rated at 100PSI....but the stuff is only good for a few years.....fine for a race car who's life expectancy is less than one race season.....and does not go on a public road.....

But not on my jeep or anything my wife might drive.....

Go stainless steal...

BTW....brake fluid has an affinity (likes) water (and moisture). If you leave the cap on your MC off for any period of time, the brake fluid is absorbing moisture from the air....moisture that will then start to rust any steel......

RRich · #3 10-22-2007, 01:09 AM

A long long time? Most plastics don't last that long.

Race cars usually get retired after one season.

New car makers would love the simplicity and ease of installation - how many use them?

Plastic is often used on ARB's and adjustable shocks - one rock, one snaggy bush - that's why the popular thing to do is armored lines.

I'll take Stainless Steel located along safe places.

Jim_Lou · #4 10-22-2007, 07:25 AM

Ditto. And since you're going this far, it would be a good time to switch to DOT 5 silicone fluid. It doesn't absorb water at all. I switched my Jeep over to it in about '80 or so, and didn't touch it until the restoration three years ago. It was pristine as when I put it in, and the cylinders were also as good as new. That's amazing for a vehicle that spends so much time in the water. It's wonderful stuff!

n0nka · #5 10-22-2007, 11:57 PM

DOT-5 Silicone fluid and steel lines. Sounds like a good combination to me. Thanks for the advice guys.
V/R, Mark

Jim_Lou · #6 10-23-2007, 07:31 AM

Or stainless steel lines.

n0nka · #7 10-23-2007, 07:39 PM

Oh yeah, stainless would be best. Thanks for the reminder. I'll probably place my order tonight with Inline Tubes. Is it hard to find the DOT-5 fluid, or will most parts stores have it?

Jim_Lou · #8 10-24-2007, 06:53 AM

It used to be difficult 30 years ago, but now they all carry it.

markr1001 · #9 10-27-2007, 07:44 PM

i looked into stainless lines, but couldnt find a flareing tool for a reasonable price (under 300 bucks) any ideas? can it be done with a cheapo one or will they just break? any good places to find stainless lines? i was gonna just go to my local steel yard but is there any places online that are good?

Jim_Lou · #10 10-27-2007, 10:40 PM

Go to Classic Tube - PreBent and Custom Stainless and OE Brake Lines and more...

They have sets precut, bent and flared specifically for your vehicle. I got a set for my CJ7 and they fit perfectly.