Stainless Steel Brake Lines - Anybody actually done this mod?

[vette67]

Loren,

I bought the DOT approved braided stainless steel brake lines for 996 / 986 from Pelican Parts a couple of years ago and never got around to installing them. I'm now in the process of replacing pads and rotors and thought it would be a good time to go ahead and replace the brake lines.

Now that I've got the wheels off I notice that the pelican parts do not resemble the oem parts at all. Maybe this is not a problem, but I have checked all the posts on renntech and cant find anybody who has actually done this mod, so I thought I would check with you before I started pulling things apart.

1) I've checked the Porsche Shop Manual and find plenty of info on replacing the pads, rotors and bleeding but nothing on how to replace the brake lines. Is there a procedure I should follow?

2) The pelican hoses are all the same length, even though my rear wheels appear to have a much shorter hose than the fronts. This makes me wonder whether I got the right parts. At the time I bought them, Pelican did not offer any different part for the MY '00 CAB-4. Their lines are supposed to fit any 996 or 986, but it does make me wonder. Does this sound like a problem?

3) I'm clear that even though the official procedure for brake bleeding for a PSM-equipped car like mine is to finish the job with the PS2 ABS bleed process, most people dont bother. But since I am going to replace these hoses is that going to require me to take the car to the stealer for the PS2 procedure?

As always, I appreciate your advice.

Cheers,

Jeff

[Loren]

1. LOL... normally brake don't need replacing - but the procedure is pretty simple.And, yes bleeding is required.

2. I do not know what Pelican sells - but I don't htink they are Porsche SS brake lines. Those are available from Porsche MotorSport for and arm and a leg.

I personally do not like SS brake lines on street cars because they tend to unscrew themselves. On race cars they check the fitting every race (and if they don't tech inspection does). Most folks driving around on the street forget about them until they have a leak or worse. JMHO.

3. If you are only replacing the brake lines that is all after the PSM/ABS so I don't think you will need to use a PST2 or PIWIS to run the ABS pump.

[vette67]

1. LOL... normally brake don't need replacing - but the procedure is pretty simple.And, yes bleeding is required.

2. I do not know what Pelican sells - but I don't htink they are Porsche SS brake lines. Those are available from Porsche MotorSport for and arm and a leg.

I personally do not like SS brake lines on street cars because they tend to unscrew themselves. On race cars they check the fitting every race (and if they don't tech inspection does). Most folks driving around on the street forget about them until they have a leak or worse. JMHO.

3. If you are only replacing the brake lines that is all after the PSM/ABS so I don't think you will need to use a PST2 or PIWIS to run the ABS pump.

I know, I read your previous posts about these things working their way loose. Maybe a little thread-lock would solve that for me, maybe. So re: the procedure for changing the brake lines. Do I just unscrew the old ones, plug the hose to keep brake fluid from spraying into my beer, screw in the new ones and then bleed the brakes as normal?

Thanks

Jeff

[Loren]

If you use thread lock be sure and keep it away from the the brake fluid path.

The fluid should not spray out - drip a little maybe.

Change the lines then hook up your power bleeder and bleed per the order in the DIY.