A stainless steel braided brake hose set comprises three hoses, two front (one per calliper) and one rear (bridging the body-to-axle gap to accommodate rear axle movement). The braided stainless outer layer replaces the standard rubber outer, providing a rigid conduit that does not expand under hydraulic pressure.
Braking System
Standard rubber brake hoses expand fractionally when hydraulic pressure is applied. In a new hose, this expansion is negligible. In an ageing hose, particularly one that has been in service for ten or more years, the rubber becomes progressively softer, and the expansion becomes significant enough to absorb a measurable portion of the pedal travel. The result is a spongy pedal that requires more travel to achieve the same braking force, reducing the driver’s feel for what the brakes are doing and increasing stopping distances in emergency braking.
Braking System Specification
Braided stainless hoses eliminate this expansion entirely, providing an immediate improvement in pedal feel, the pedal becomes firmer and more progressive, and the driver can modulate braking force with greater precision. This is one of the most cost-effective brake upgrades available, and is strongly recommended on any car where the original rubber hoses have been in service for more than a few years.
When fitting braided hoses, the lockplates at the body mounting points must be correctly installed to prevent the hose banjo bolts from rotating under vibration.