Lines from Master Cylinders to Remote Reservoirs

[DIBaledo]

A quick question: I would like to dress up the lines that go from the master cylinders (Front and Rear brakes as well as Hydraulic Clutch). I don't really like the look of the supplied orange rubber hoses and hose clamps and I don't think my skills are quite up to the likes of Mike Bray to use multiple pieces of beautifully formed stainless steel. I understand that most of it is hidden and out of sight, but I will know it's there and I'd like something that at least I know looks nice. I am taking Mike's suggestion and switching out the Wilwood MCs for Tiltons for reliability and the use of banjo bolts for both incoming and outgoing lines. My proposed solution is to follow Mike's path, but instead of flared stainless steel hardlines, to use braided stainless (black nylon covered) 4AN PTFE from the master cylinder to a bulkhead fitting on the front of the DS footbox and then another braided hose from the bulkhead to a Jamar Performance Triple Billet Reservoir. Everything I've read says you cannot use PTFE braided hose for brakelines. I assume this is pressure related, though PTFE hose has a burst strength in the 120,000psi range. In any event, this is on the low pressure side of the brakes from the MC to the reservoirs. PTFE seems to be impervious to damage from brake fluid and nearly everything else, but when I have spoken to the manufacturers of braided hose, they indicate that it shouldn't be used anywhere in the braking system. I guess they don't know about the flexlines from the hardlines to the calipers or that is some other type of braided hose that I can't buy and fit to my own dimensions. As an aside, I do plan on using stainless steel for the actual brake hardlines. I would have put a picture or two here, however, right now this is all in my head waiting to place my order if it can work as an acceptable alternative to the supplied rubber hose. Does anyone have any experience using PTFE braided hose for this application? Any others with thoughts or comments?

Thank you.

David...

[JohnK]

I don't have any experience with PTFE lines in that application, so can't help there. My only input would be to possibly reconsider using bulkhead fittings on those lines. While they're not under any pressure, you're still introducing 6 additional points of failure in the system where it's not necessary. A grommet that allows the hoses to pass through is a far more reliable solution.

[DIBaledo]

I don't have any experience with PTFE lines in that application, so can't help there. My only input would be to possibly reconsider using bulkhead fittings on those lines. While they're not under any pressure, you're still introducing 6 additional points of failure in the system where it's not necessary. A grommet that allows the hoses to pass through is a far more reliable solution.

John,

I like the idea of a grommet and thought of using them. My concern was finding a grommet that was large enough for the hose fittings to pass through, but small enough to still be snug on the hose. I was more concerned about the possibility of hot air and noise entering into the footbox through a loose fitting or thin grommet, but I didn't consider the additional points of potential failure. I'll have to think more about that option.

Thanks

David...

[JohnK]

Here's a link in my build thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31167-Greek-Guys-Garage-Roadster-Build-9509-(MagCode-PowerPort-for-battery-charger)&p=414493&viewfull=1#post414493) to how I made a grommet for my reservoir lines.

[CaptB]

I switched to Tiltons and bought my hoses from Summit. Worked out very well and looks custom.

[Hoooper]

Nothing wrong with PTFE line between the MC and reservoir. The responses you are getting are generic, they dont want you running 25' of PTFE hose instead of hard brake lines. Flexible lines between hard line and the wheel are usually either PTFE with outer stainless braid or they are reinforced rubber, but they do flex slightly under pressure. You can certainly buy that and make your own even for pressure lines from the hard line to wheel, its the same stuff as braided hydraulic clutch hose

[narly1]

On the subject of a firewall grommet there's always the option of using a variation of these:

https://sealsit.com/product/split-grommet-seal-2-piece/

Earl

[DIBaledo]

Here's a link in my build thread (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?31167-Greek-Guys-Garage-Roadster-Build-9509-(MagCode-PowerPort-for-battery-charger)&p=414493&viewfull=1#post414493) to how I made a grommet for my reservoir lines.

John,

That looks like a great solution. I wonder if I can attach the fitting on one end after running the hose through the grommet. Now I’m torn between the good looks of Mike’s setup with the bulkhead connections and the practicality and lack of potential failure points with the grommet. Decisions, decisions.

David…

[John Ibele]

You're going to find a way to do this cleanly without resorting to a bunch of fittings ... John's way, my way, a different way. Can look up the McMaster part if needed (send a PM).

Build thread post #30 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27168-John%92s-Mk4-Build-Thread-Vents&p=429095&viewfull=1#post429095)

Cheers, John

[DIBaledo]

You're going to find a way to do this cleanly without resorting to a bunch of fittings ... John's way, my way, a different way. Can look up the McMaster part if needed (send a PM).

Build thread post #30 (https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?27168-John%92s-Mk4-Build-Thread-Vents&p=429095&viewfull=1#post429095)

Cheers, John

John,

Thanks everyone for your comments. I think I'm going to go the grommet route as suggested to avoid additional points of failure. Perhaps three in a row, similar to how I would have placed the bulkhead fittings. Now to find the right size fittings. The hose size is identified as 0.300". 5/16" = 0.3125, so this should work fairly well.

David...

[CaptB]

On the subject of a firewall grommet there's always the option of using a variation of these:

https://sealsit.com/product/split-grommet-seal-2-piece/

Earl

I used these they really give it a custom look.

[DIBaledo]

Parts ordered...

Thanks again for all of your suggestions!

David...