a4tis™[Bye Turbo]

I ordered the ECS stainless steel brake line kit because it was advertised as direct oem-fit, and they stated that the stainless steel braids were wrapped in vinyl (I live in Upstate NY so we have a lot of road salt and other **** that could get gunked up in between the braids). For $133+shipping, I thought I'd give it a try. I figured they would be better than those crappy eBay brake lines that sell for $65.

The kit:

<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j145/a4tis/IMG_3728.jpg">

one of the rear lines installed:

<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j145/a4tis/IMG_3740.jpg">

I have not been able to test performance yet as my car is on a lift until Sunday so I'll post up after I get a chance to test my brakes. But just from an observer standpoint, I have to say I'm a little disappointed with the fitment, and the vinyl wrap.

<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j145/a4tis/IMG_3738.jpg">

<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j145/a4tis/IMG_3739.jpg">

As you can see in the above pic, the rubber collar is not wrapped tight around the vinyl, exposing a small area for debris and crap to get in. Maybe not a huge deal, but I would have thought to ensure the stainless steel lines were completely protected, the vinyl sleeve and rubber collar should be sealed. Again, maybe not a big deal.

Fitment for the lines into the OEM clips is not great. There was some filing required to get the connector into the hole. Even then, still not a snug fit like the OEM rubber lines. The pic below is not great, but should give you a better idea of the gap I'm talking about.

<img src="http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j145/a4tis/IMG_3771.jpg">

Well, the car should be ready on Sunday and I'll test braking performance then.

Wrinkledpants

Road salt solution will easily get in there, and without knowing the grade of steel used, you could be looking at some nasty corrosion. I wouldn't chance it with your brakes.

a4tis™[Bye Turbo]

i was thinking small zip-ties to seal the gap but silicone is a great idea - thanks!

Slave IV

G-Stop lines that have proven quality.
Don't think you'll notice much/any difference from stock either way but they are nice...

a4tis™[Bye Turbo]

the braided lines. The G-Stop lines are good, but the exposed braids take a beating in winters here.

Slave IV

for protection...I'm assuming the ECS ones are similar with the added vinyl...my concern would be with the overall quality of the lines but again, either should be fine especially since they should be changed more frequently...

raderras4

<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Stainless-Steel-Brake-Lines-01-02-2001-2002-Audi-S4-B5_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2em20Q2el1116QQ itemZ350066930078">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Stainless-Steel-Brake-Lines-01-02-2001-2002-Audi-S

toolo4sno

...down enough to fit snugly over both sides.

Wrinkledpants

but I don't think shrink wrap would hold up as good as silicone in the long run.