Update on my car (The Horror that is the brake line) Hitman??

[1992Q45A]

I never thought my car would be held up by a measely brake line.

Here is the deal

I need a new set of brake lines. So first my mechanic ordered them from Infiniti (he brought in the line that was on the car) So it takes two weeks or so and the dealer finally get thems in. Turns out they are wrong, stock ones or something. So then I order a pair of Goodridge lines for the 300zx. I checked goodridges website, and they don't list a pair being available for the Q45. So, I figure since I have skyline GTR brakes, I order the zx Kit. My mechanic says they won't fit.. The ends are wrong. ARGH

Should I order a pair of custom lines specifically for my car, even though it has no part of the original braking system on the car? Would the skyline/300zx brakes change the type of lines you need, or do the lines hook up to some piece of the braking system, that wouldn't be changed?

Held up by two damn brake lines. So annoying.

Hitman: Looks like your brake thread isn't sticky anymore, but didn't you offer some goodridge lines for the Q, or was it a different company?

H E L P
Modified by 1992Q45A at 4:28 PM 9/4/2004

[squeefoo]

Goodridge SS brake lines p/n GDR 22031 I had Q45 oem brakes then put on 300ZX brakes and used the same lines as above.

[1992Q45A]

Hmm, so maybe my mechanic is in error.

I definetely have the Goodridge 300zx Brake lines. I saw the line it needs to replace, the goodridge are much longer (which is the whole point, he was saying the ends are to big. I'll tell him to try again or something)

Thanks for the INPUT

[1992Q45A]

I bought these btw

http://www.courtesyparts.com/M...22073

[MiniMan]

As an aside... don't buy SS lines unless you're willing to replace them every year or two! When they fail... they FAIL! Not worth it unless you're tracking the car... or always drive up hills (and never down)! The plastic end fittings commonly burst and the SS surrounding the teflon inner chafes it and eventually makes the line fail!

Corey

[1992Q45A]

doh

[squeefoo]

If you buy spiral wire wrap and wind it around the SS brake lines - it lessens the chafing and stone/debris damage. Takes a little while but worth it. 4WD truck trick, it's on all of mine. PS: didn't see any plastic on mine (?)

[AZhitman]

Never heard of a SS line failing.

No plastic on these that i can see, perhaps Alan (Nismo Freak) can chime in.

Ryan, don't you have Skyline calipers?

Which end doesn't fit? The caliper end?

[MiniMan]

Not seeing plastic fittings at the end of the brake lines is always a GOOD sign. It speaks for the quality of the lines at hand.

However, you still must inspect the lines shortly after installing them to make sure that they don't develop kinks, wear spots, chafe (in unwanted areas), turn at too sharp of angles too quickly, etc. You must make sure they have no symptoms of the above at all points in wheel travel, not to mention you must make sure (as with regular lines) that they aren't too tight when the suspension is fully compressed or decompressed.

I don't mean this as a "buyer beware," as that's not what it's intended to be. I mean this as a "buyer, get educated!" Your car and it's maintenaince is your responsibility, no matter if we're discussing SS lines or bad guides!

Don't get me wrong however, SS lines have more than a few benefits, including better pedal feel, less line expansion (swelling) and better brake line protection from rocks, etc. All I'm saying is make sure you visually inspect the lines at least every 6 months... after all, they don't fail while you're stopping like a granny! They fail in an emergency stop where there is much more pressure, so be cautious.

Corey

[PalmerWMD]

Hmm, I dont know Miniman,

I had great experiences for many yuears with SS lines on my Q's.

Fred..

[Q451990]

I have SS Lines from http://www.techna-fit.com - I bet they can help you get what you need. I've had great turn-around time and customer service from them! My braided lines have a plastic coating on the outside to eliminate the dirt under the braids, and then some plastic collars near the fittings on either end. I think the plastic collars are to help with the DOT "whip test" but I don't know if these lines are actully DOT approved.

Heath

[1992Q45A]

I do have skyline calipers. I'm not sure why I ordered the ZX lines. I couldn't find them form the site i ordered form, so I ordered the ZX lines, thinking they would fit. Although my mechanic says the ends won't fit, they are too large.

The end of the goodridge brakes i got.

I'm going to post up a picture of the line that was removed from my car, and the lines that I bought.

WIth the expertise here, combined with the picture of the line removed, and the lines I purchased, I feel confident you guys can solve this issue. I can still return the goodridge lines, so hopefully I can adjust as needed

Also the skyline rear calipers are the same as the ZX rear calipers.

[AZhitman]

Corey - All good points.

The Q45 stainless lnes I have seen could use about .5" more slack, as they are a little snug when mounted using the factory clips. I have conveyed this to Russll and Goodridge.

Ryan, we may have to have you some custom ones made.

Q45 to 300ZX rear, Q45 to Skyline front. Correct?

[1992Q45A]

Original Setup:

R32 GTR Brakes

Current Setup

R32 GTR Calipers Front/rear (Rear gtr calipers are supposedly the same as 300zx calipers)

Skyline GT front discs (Same as GTR minus cross drilling)300 ZX Rear Discs (Again same as skyline fronts, minus cross drilling)

I'll take a pic of the wrecked line. Man this sucks.

[1992Q45A]

Well my mechanic told me to go to this bike racing shop, as they had these paticular lines I needed. Low and behold I did, and picked two up for 16 each or so. They are exactly what was taken off the car. I have no clue on what they are, or why the Goodridge brakes didn't work.

All I know is I get my $100 back, and the last component of the vehicle actually being driveable (aside from the suspension) is now finished.

One step closer

[AZhitman]

Excellent - I was getting nervous that i wouldn't be able to source those lines.