Results 1 to 11 of 11

Thread: Wondering about brake lines...

  1. #1
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Houston, Tx
    Posts
    1,978
    My Cars
    '78 320i

    Wondering about brake lines...

    When should I consider updating my brake lines? The only maintenance I've done in regards to this is a brake fluid change... That's about it.

    How far down this path can you go that's worth pursuing?

    The lines aren't leaking or anything I am just wondering what should be done for a 40 year old car.

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2016
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    1,077
    My Cars
    1979 E21 320i
    Well, stainless is pricey, but pretty awesome. I’d just replace them all with rubber if you’re on a budget, the old ones are (hopefully) not original but probably wise to replace. Any cracks in the rubber?
    -John

  3. #3
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Seattle, WA USA
    Posts
    1,495
    My Cars
    '83 323i, '82 320i, '06 mazda5
    the rubber lines, like somjuan said are a good thing to do and not too expensive. if you're worried about the condition of lines on a 40 year old car, I'd prioritize the fuel lines instead. depending on the condition of the underside of the car of course

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Sacramento, California
    Posts
    4,704
    My Cars
    1980 BMW 320i E21 M10B18

    Cool

    I got a complete set of new Ate branded hoses for around $40,,like John said stainless costs more.

    Randy

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2015
    Location
    Chicago, IL,United States
    Posts
    252
    My Cars
    1977 BMW 320i
    Which lines are we talking about - just the rubber portions at the wheels? If so, there is no reason to not replace them if you don't know how old they are (pardon the stacking of negatives). If you are talking about the hard lines, replacing those can be a big project so you would probably only want to do so if you were sure that they are damaged or corroded. Copper Nickel lines make it easier, but you will want to make sure that they are secured tightly so they don't flex themselves to failure.

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Nov 2007
    Location
    Sacramento, California
    Posts
    4,704
    My Cars
    1980 BMW 320i E21 M10B18

    Cool

    The rubber hoses when they get old they bulge out and when the contract( a little too much) they leave pressure in the line which keeps the brakes slight engaged, I have read a few brake forums and brake specialists there have said this in the no 1 cause of brake problems in cars they have dealt with,, aged edpm or rubber hoses.

    Randy

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Houston, Tx
    Posts
    1,978
    My Cars
    '78 320i
    Thanks for all the input. Full disclosure, in general my E21 is well sorted. I think the only things I need to do are replace brake components and fuel lines to the tank and whatever vent lines are in the trunk. Pretty much everything else in this car is 100% replaced (that I can think of).

    I upgraded to an M42 so Im a bit weary of blowing out the brakes lines or something. As I said, no leaks but im curious if others have ran in to issues. As for which lines specifically, Ill consider anything since I dont want brake failure to send me to a ditch.

    Ive had the car for about 8 years but Ive put less than 10000 miles on the car. She's been a bit of a garage queen most of her time.
    Last edited by jaredmac11; 03-08-2019 at 05:40 PM.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Aug 2001
    Location
    NC
    Posts
    2,126
    My Cars
    E30M3,318is,318i,E21320
    Quote Originally Posted by jaredmac11 View Post
    Thanks for all the input. Full disclosure, in general my E21 is well sorted. I think the only things I need to do are replace brake components and fuel lines to the tank and whatever vent lines are in the trunk. Pretty much everything else in this car is 100% replaced (that I can think of).

    I upgraded to an M42 so Im a bit weary of blowing out the brakes lines or something. As I said, no leaks but im curious if others have ran in to issues. As for which lines specifically, Ill consider anything since I dont want brake failure to send me to a ditch.

    Ive had the car for about 8 years but Ive put less than 10000 miles on the car. She's been a bit of a garage queen most of her time.
    IMO if old then replace the factory rubber lines with new factory rubber lines either OE or aftermarket ie centric brand. Better safe than sorry. Stainless is great if want extra pedal feel. Only downside is if the outer stainless braid isn't covered by another rubber sleeve protection, it can allow grit to get between the stainless braid and the inner rubber. This can wear it out faster and why most like this aren't considered DOT compliant. Race use sure your inspecting them and replacing at regular intervals. Stock style rubber lines isn't a bad thing for street use.
    88 M3
    91 318is
    91 318i
    83 320is
    08 X3 3.0si

    "If it flys, floats, or f*cks, rent it!"

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Aug 2018
    Location
    Battle Ground, WA
    Posts
    294
    My Cars
    83 e21 82 E23 80 E12
    I would check the visual condition of the metal lines. Some of mine were pretty rusted on a non rusted car and I chose to replace them.

    I just replaced all my lines. I found some quality stainless, generic lines for about as cheap as rubber. I found that rubber lines, at least for my E28 stuff was about $10 per rubber line and $10 per stainless but you have to add adapters to the stainless so about $14 maybe per stainless line? Worth it IMO.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2007
    Location
    Houston, Tx
    Posts
    1,978
    My Cars
    '78 320i
    I cleaned up the metal lines and they look brand new. Its great to be here in the south for that regard. I think Ill follow advice here and replace the rubber lines. They look fine for now so I feel like I can defer til Ig et all this other crap sorted (trailing arm bushings...)

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    Vermont
    Posts
    2,588
    My Cars
    81 320i, 98 318ti
    Rubber brake lines just like any other rubber component have limited life. In my opinion good quality brake likes and water hoses last about 15 years, after that I would replace them. Sometimes brake lines clog up inside and cause all kind of problems - and look fine from the outside and have no bulges, etc. When replacing, watch out for poor quality parts, I have replaced 3 sets of brake lines on our VW in 2 years until I was able to source quality hoses. Original BMW or maybe ATE is all I would use. ATE's quality seems to be hit or miss too...

    Max

Similar Threads

  1. Anyone Use Techna-Fit SS brake lines?
    By bblars in forum General BMW and Automotive Discussion sponsored by Intercity Lines
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 11-13-2001, 10:55 AM
  2. Braided Stainless Steel Brake lines..Should I buy???
    By Bernanke in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 18
    Last Post: 11-11-2001, 09:53 PM
  3. Changing Brake lines?
    By C///M3 in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 8
    Last Post: 10-10-2001, 12:51 AM
  4. Replacing Brake Lines on M3
    By Mark C. in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 05-18-2001, 04:47 PM
  5. Suggestions Front & Rear Pads/Rotors/Brake Lines/Fluid
    By Mark C. in forum 1992 - 1999 M3 (E36)
    Replies: 5
    Last Post: 04-10-2001, 09:05 PM

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •