Hi DF, I understand what you say, the Porsche is built for speed, has good powerful brakes yet does not have braided hoses. Fine! However, in my experience, although braided hoses do not improve the actual brakes, they give sharper and more responsive braking at the pedal. (In the past, every aircraft I ever worked on had braided hoses.) The Freelander is a relatively heavy car that needs reliable brakes, I also tow a caravan. Nothing to do with speed or performance. My car will be coming up for flexy hose change (called for at 6 yrs) so it was little extra money to fit a superior product. Good result! 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Funny that the Porsche does not have braided hoses...

My 10 year old Jag XJR has Brembo brakes from the factory and has factory-fitted braided hoses. I don't think they went with braided hoses for no reason, since it is not mentioned anywhere in the marketing literature or brochures, only in the technical guide for the model which was not released to the general public. The regular non-supercharged models with standard brakes also got the braided lines from the factory.

The Jag technical manual says

Quote:

Steel-braided brake hoses are installed, providing the following advantages over standard hoses
- reduced expansion under pressure,
- light-weight design,
- reduced permeability

dunkley201 wrote:

I have just replaced my flexy brake hoses with a set of braided items from HEL. ............

But your signature says "If it's working, don't fix it".

If it works; Don't fix it In that case I'm going a little over the top replacing all my braking system! My plugger is coming up to 8 years old, and agree if it works; don't fix it. However, not knowing history of my car, I take the belt & bracers approach and will not compromise on safety, I also tow a caravan. In most cases rubber hoses will last the life time of the car, with R&D over the years reliability has improved it would be foolish not adhering to the manufacturers recommendation to change the hoses at 6 years.

Rubber vs Braided is a personal choice, Braided hoses have all of the strengths of rubber, non of the weakness's, and for the better braking response alone it's worth the extra £30. Bonus: life time warranty, wipe clean PVC sleeve and better corrosion resistance.

Oh and don't forget the bling factor They come in loads of pretty colours!

Steve D wrote:

dunkley201 wrote:

I have just replaced my flexy brake hoses with a set of braided items from HEL. ............

But your signature says "If it's working, don't fix it".

As I said above, I knew the hoses were coming up for change..... So, while changing the rear discs & pads (discs worn to limits) I thought it was an opportune time to change the hoses. Also, I am about to cross the channel and drive to Spain for the spring with a caravan in tow. Lot's of jobs to be done before we go!

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

klian787 wrote:

I obtained a full set of new genuine calipers, pads, shoes and discs for £200, the ones fitted are looking tired so decided to replace the whole set.

Hi Bill. I know AF can be good, but I think that price does not include the calipers..... and that £200 was for genuine LR items I believe.

Bob 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

klian787 wrote:

....................Oh and don't forget the bling factor They come in loads of pretty colours!

Let's be honest, unless you are seriously into motorsport that's the main reason most people change to braided hoses whether it be a car, motorcycle or 4X4.

Not quite.... mine are black......


 10MY (Sept 09) TD4 HSE Auto in Stornoway Grey (Now Gone)

08 FL2 TD4 SE Manual in Rimini Red (Now Gone)

Black's a pretty colour!