OPINIONS PLEASE - Rigid or Flexi brake lines?

[Ess2]

HELP needed.

Refurbing front end of car. I've got 996 calipers but need to replace my front rigid brake lines installed 3 years ago cause they twisted all to hell when i tried to remove them.

Been looking at loads of threads here and seems to be a split regarding best solution for S2 front brake upgrade set up - seems some folk go for a single custom length of braided hose from body to caliper others def recommend the RS2 rigid line AND a shorter standard braided hose - this second option is what I have been running.

What's your thoughts on best option given that the rigid lines twisted and broke when i tried to remove them this week.

Stick with replacing with new rigid lines (if so where to get them cause i'm struggling for a source after the demise of VagParts)

OR

Replace whole lot with single length of braided (again - recommended sources)?

Derek.

[Rusty]

I run rigid lines, might be worth looking at realtive costs and making a decision then.

[Le S2 Audi]

When I did my 996 upgrade I asked the exact same question you did and the replies I got about 50-50 as to which were better...

I then asked my mechanic and he suggested that we fit the hardline's from the RS2 as they were what Porsche did so it must work..... I also think he prefered the hardlines too

Other peeps have said that by using hardlines they are better for not expanding under pressure/heavy use...

Others then said that the Goodridge braided pipes were just as good....

Guess like rusty said its down to costs - time and I guess "Personal Choice"...

There are some pics on here with the hardlines in place when my car was being done... If interested?

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=38914&highlight=owned&page=3

[Error404]

always decent braided flexi line IMHO, much easier to service brakes etc. But hardlines are cheaper obviously, nothing in it performance wise decent overbraided hoses don't swell / expand like stock rubber flexi lines. You pays your money, you takes your choice.

[Rusty]

Copper pipes certainly don't expand as much as rubber. Braided are better than rubber but I'd be suprised if they were superior to copper. Suggest you contact s2avant for a price on OE RS2 hard lines

[Error404]

only downside to hardlines just means you need to remove the line to the caliper everytime you change discs / pads / remove caliper or risk stressing and weakening the copper / kunifer or whatever material you use.

[Le S2 Audi]

only downside to hardlines just means you need to remove the line to the caliper everytime you change discs / pads / remove caliper or risk stressing and weakening the copper / kunifer or whatever material you use.

I thought with the 996 calipers that when pads and disks need changing you dont have to touch the caliper at all...

You just take the spring off the top of the caliper - pop out the pads... then if need be you can take off the disk....

Or Thoo I thought????

[Error404]

you'll be able to pop the pads out but not the discs obviously.

[volcano rs]

Copper pipes certainly don't expand as much as rubber. Braided are better than rubber but I'd be suprised if they were superior to copper. Suggest you contact s2avant for a price on OE RS2 hard lines

braided brake lines don't expand they are not rubber . i would always use them ahead of solid pipes , much easier to work on your brakes with flexi pipes .

[Le S2 Audi]

you'll be able to pop the pads out but not the discs obviously.

Its not obvious to me I'm not a mechanic....

But I stand corrected... But (again) even if you use hard lines there is still the flexi pipe from the main brake line to the caliper - yes? surely this means you dont have to undo the hardline.... every time does it???

[Jenks]

I've just helped rebuild a rally car that has twin master cyls and a bias bar setup. The owner of this car opted for braided lines throughout the whole car and is more than happy with the result. So if there little or no give in that amount of pipework then I reckon you'll be ok with braided from body to caliper as long as you make sure the lines are made correctly and secured well.

[lind4hl]

Same here, i wil go braided hoses all the way to the front brakes and betwwen te T-cross on the rear axle i will have braided hoses, many rallyecars in sweden running full braided hoses without problem.

[Ess2]

Thanks guys and are these lines any good?

Excellent thoughts guys - many thanks.

Explains why I couldn't find a definate answer - seems opinion is split!!

I've run the hard lines for about 3 years and the only problem has now been when dismantling the braes for a refurb the pipe twists when unscrewing from the caliper and has been damaged.......for this reason I think i will look at a single braided hose from body straight to caliper.

Anyone got a good source for what I presume will be custom length hoses - and is it just a matter of measuring a length and confirming connector types to suitable supplier or are there some other characteristics to note?

Goodrich versus HEL? Thoughts?

HEL seem to offer these specifically for the S2 - any good?

http://www.brake-lines.co.uk/hel-brake-lines-audi-s2-coupe-quattro.html

Derek.

[Le S2 Audi]

They look nice.... Nice & Shiny...

Lifetime Warranty... Can't go wrong I guess!!!