View Full Version : Flexible brake lines
So I finally got around to re-routing my flexible brake lines since they we originally routed badly. Wanted to rub on the tire, or other suspension parts, and in the back they could possibly be crushed by the suspension travel. The backs were fairly simple. I removed a 90* fitting where they came off the frame, and that solved the issue there. The fronts were more challenging. I finally removed the 90* fittings I had there also, and spun the banjo fitting 180* on the caliper so the line comes in from the bottom. It makes a much smoother arc. Anyhow, in checking to be certain that there was no other interference, I turned the wheels to full lock. Where the banjo fitting transitions from solid to flexible line came into contact with the lower A arm, and managed to pinch the flexible line over. Tried adjusting the position a bit, but no matter what I did it hit the A arm and wanted to pinch the line. I'm now concerned that I may have damaged the teflon liner, or weakened it enough that could cause it to prematurely fail, but I don't want to replace them with the same lines, originally from FFR, since I will encounter the same problem. Are there other styles of banjo fittings on the end of flexible lines that wouldn't extend out so far? Or could the solution be as simple as rack limiters to keep the wheel from turning so far and pinching the line? By the way, these are '04 Mustang GT front brakes. If anyone could post how they ran their lines to these same style calipers it would be appreciated.
I also had this problem, I ended up calling Techna-fit and had them make me custom lines for my rear. They charge $25/each line and will custom make you any size line/fitting. You could also have them do custom lines for your front. They are excellent to work with and do great work.
https://www.techna-fit.com/
Here is a before and after.
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=132301&d=1595527778
https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=132302&d=1595527795
Fman, Thanks for the info on Techna-Fit. I'll definitely contact them since that's about the best deal on a flexible brake line with fittings that I have seen. I should have posted a photo of what I'm trying to correct, so...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50200565806_ed106ccdee_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ju42fE)20200807_162237 (https://flic.kr/p/2ju42fE) by Rick Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156322842@N02/), on Flickr
The spot I have circled comes into contact with the lower arm about where the "X" is. I can have that end of the line point up, or down. No other options, and I don't remember exactly, but pointing up was more of an issue than down.
Thanks again.
EZ$, there are also banjo to AN adapter fittings that you may consider. This allows more flexibility in positioning the caliper end of the hose and may allow you to use an off the shelf hose. Here's an assortment: https://www.summitracing.com/search?SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=banjo%20to%20an%20adapters
NAZ, So with one of these adapter fittings, and an AN to AN flex hose, I could avoid having the solid piece of the adapter like I have hanging down to contact the lower arm? That would be awesome! Now I have to find my notes on the size banjo bolt and thread size, so that I can match it up with these other adapters, and get this ordered up. It's good to discover things that you're not aware even exist. I'll take a look at this tomorrow. I've got an order I need to send to Summit, so I'll just add this to the list. Thank you!
Fman, Thanks for the info on Techna-Fit. I'll definitely contact them since that's about the best deal on a flexible brake line with fittings that I have seen. I should have posted a photo of what I'm trying to correct, so...
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50200565806_ed106ccdee_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2ju42fE)20200807_162237 (https://flic.kr/p/2ju42fE) by Rick Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156322842@N02/), on Flickr
The spot I have circled comes into contact with the lower arm about where the "X" is. I can have that end of the line point up, or down. No other options, and I don't remember exactly, but pointing up was more of an issue than down.
Thanks again.
Your welcome, from a hack weekend warrior I think techna fit is the way to go for a custom application that looks professionally done. They can do any combo of Banjo/fittings/length you desire. The 20" lines FFR sends out are not the correct length IMO. I ended up using the 17" for the front and having Techna do my rear lines. Just my .02
I agree about the length of the fronts. I was not aware that the banjo joints could be purchased separately from the lines, so I'm going to check that out. If I can't come up with a combo that looks like it will work, I'll probably go with Techna fit.
OK, so I had to work this week, and I started thinking about this issue yesterday, so that's why i posted. Today I actually got to go out to the shop this afternoon. I was trying to fix a side mirror on my wife's MKX that some dumb as* decided they needed to smack the mirror because they ran into it and got pissed. Totally disassembled the mirror, and found a broken part. Got epoxy on it letting it set till tomorrow, but I don't think it's going to work. Oh well, $150 bucks down the drain for a new assembly. But I digress. I took a look at the front flex lines again, and now with the wheels on, and with it back on the suspension, the lines don't come anywhere near the suspension parts when it's turned lock to lock. So it appears to be a bit of a non issue. I'll keep an eye on the lines where they wanted to pinch, to make sure they're not damaged.
I want to thank you guys for your suggestions. I'm going to keep all this information because I know I'm going to need it eventually!
CFranks
08-10-2020, 09:27 AM
OK, so I had to work this week, and I started thinking about this issue yesterday, so that's why i posted. Today I actually got to go out to the shop this afternoon. I was trying to fix a side mirror on my wife's MKX that some dumb as* decided they needed to smack the mirror because they ran into it and got pissed. Totally disassembled the mirror, and found a broken part. Got epoxy on it letting it set till tomorrow, but I don't think it's going to work. Oh well, $150 bucks down the drain for a new assembly. But I digress. I took a look at the front flex lines again, and now with the wheels on, and with it back on the suspension, the lines don't come anywhere near the suspension parts when it's turned lock to lock. So it appears to be a bit of a non issue. I'll keep an eye on the lines where they wanted to pinch, to make sure they're not damaged.
I want to thank you guys for your suggestions. I'm going to keep all this information because I know I'm going to need it eventually!
Hi. Do you happen to have a photo of your routing with this problem alleviated? I'm having a similar issue with contact on the LCA when turned lock to lock, I currently have 20" lines as well but they have straight banjo fittings, not the angled ones that FFR provides. I just got a pair of the FFR angled ones from someone on the forum and was going to swap to try to alleviate this concern.
I'll get a picture posted later today.
CFranks, Here's a couple of shots of the DS. I ended up rotating the banjo bolt fitting 180*, and took a 90* fitting off where it attaches to the hard line at the frame.
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50212440947_15373bbd1c_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jv6Tjt)20200810_161835 (https://flic.kr/p/2jv6Tjt) by Rick Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156322842@N02/), on Flickr
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50212441052_d5c6b2f1cc_z.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2jv6Tmh)20200810_161823 (https://flic.kr/p/2jv6Tmh) by Rick Paul (https://www.flickr.com/photos/156322842@N02/), on Flickr
Sorry it took so long. I had to do a bit of fiberglass work on my body. Just pulled the tape off of the set material, and it came out nice. Just some additional filler with glass in it, and I'm set!
As a note, If the suspension is at full droop, it's still going to hit the "A" arm. Now that the wheels are on the ground, turned full lock both ways clears everything with room to spare.
CFranks
08-10-2020, 09:31 PM
CFranks, Here's a couple of shots of the DS. I ended up rotating the banjo bolt fitting 180*, and took a 90* fitting off where it attaches to the hard line at the frame.
Great thanks for posting. I have the breeze bulkhead fittings that point the fitting down vs. perpendicular like you have. Maybe if I point the banjo upwards it may work in my setup.
Rdone585
08-11-2020, 12:23 PM
Another thing to consider (if someone else hasn't already suggested) is to adjust the point where the hard line and the flex line connect. I fabricated a small bracket to attach to the panel and adjusted the bracket to be slightly angled and a little closer to the center of the car. It helped to relieve interference at different points of suspension travel.
AC Bill
08-11-2020, 02:26 PM
I found Russell's had a good selection of fittings and adapters.
http://www.russellperformance.com/mc/brake-clutch-hose/adapter-fittings.shtml