I mention these things because you made a blanket statement that braided SS
lines are a P.O.S. You also said that rubber is safer. I disagree. I bring
up the comparison with aircraft because I think this application is the
ultimate test of a line. As for dirt getting into the braid, check an
aircraft based out of Midland/Odessa or Lubbock Texas. The red dirt and
sand get into EVERYTHING. In my 12 years as an aircraft mechanic, I have
never encountered a line I could say broke down because of dirt in the
braid. As for articulation, a truck's brake line may bend or flex maybe 30,
35 deg max. Typical retractable landing gear will 'flex', or articulate a
minimum of about 90 deg with every retraction/extension. Regarding
inspections, yes, aircraft are inspected religiously, but it's not the
inspections that keep the lines from failing, it's their reliability. IMHO,
if a component can withstand the extreme conditions encountered in
aviation, automotive use is a cakewalk.
Mike G.
(in response to)
Mike,
I think you're missing the point. I wont argue that SS covered brake
hoses allow better braking then rubber. Granted, rubber expands, teflon
does not. I wont argue that SS lines resist abrasion better than the
rubber
lines. The problem with the SS lines is in fourwheeling/offroad
applications (for the most part). Once dirt gets in the braid, its stuck
between the SS and the teflon hose that the braid is protecting where it
rubs it down till it breaks.
I'm not sure what articulation and airplanes and temperature
differences has to do with it. 300F is over the boiling point of DOT3
brake
fluid. Vibration wise, I'm not sure what to say, my engine mounts are
rubber?
Sometimes, I think airplanes are great examples of "the right way to
do
things" but I dont think this is the case. Airplanes have alot more to
deal
with (temp and vibrations and such) that probably make SS lines a more
viable solution for them, but not for us "earthbound" folks. Also, think
about the safey inspections and maintanence schedules of airplanes compared
to your truck.
- --
Dave
This archive was generated by hypermail 2b29 : Fri Feb 06 2004 - 11:47:44 EST