Braided or standard flexi hoses?

[blazed]

what do you guys recommend? standard or braided, if braided do you have a preferred brand?

[Speedtouch]

Standard ones are fine for normal road use. Braided were originally for race/rally applications, and supposedly give a firmer, more responsive pedal feel, though I doubt most people would notice the difference on a road car.

Goodridge are a well-known brand for braided hoses.

http://goodridge.brakes-hoses-fittings.co.uk/

[blazed]

nice one. i looked at the goodridge a few times but always seem to be sold as 4 not 6 hoses. only considered as there isn't much price difference.

[Grrrmachine]

Braided are sturdier, but you can't visually inspect them for signs that they're about to fail. When they do go they'll just burst on you without warning, since you can't see any of the telltale signs like perishing or bulges.

If they're the same price then get braided, but be sure to replace them after a fixed time in the future. No idea how long they do last though.

[blazed]

think i will stick with the standard then, rather not have them burst, i've had to many fights with tractors and i think i may loose in an E30. thanks for the advice.

[capri_rob]

I have goodridge hoses on mine and they do a 6 line kit for abs equipped cars.
You can specify zinc. Or stainless fittings - the zinc ones are cheaper but will tarnish over time.

As for them failing if I remember right goodridge products come with a lifetime warranty

I switched as its one less thing to worry about at mot time

[blazed]

that was why i was thinking of 'upgrading' doing just about everything else so i don't have to worry for a couple of years.

[HairyScreech]

Braided are sturdier, but you can't visually inspect them for signs that they're about to fail. When they do go they'll just burst on you without warning, since you can't see any of the telltale signs like perishing or bulges.

If they're the same price then get braided, but be sure to replace them after a fixed time in the future. No idea how long they do last though.

There is something in this.

There are two kinds of braided hose.

Simple over braided hoses and the better quality dual wall hoses.

Cheap motorsport ones are single layer, have exposed braid and are actually illegal for road use and should fail the mot.
The reason for this is two fold, the exposed braid is prone to dirt entrapment which chaffs the hose increasing the rate of failure, the second reason is that all normal rubber hoses are two walls of rubber with a fabric braid caught between them.
The bulging is the failure of the inner wall and not the outer wall.
Twin wall hoses are a requirement on the European type approval and the uk IVA and construction and use regs.

Good quality double walled hoses are ok for road use for the above reasons and should fail gracefully.
These are normally obvious as they have another plastic layer outside the braid.

Pretty much, do yourself a favour and go for good quality braided hoses.
Never fuck about when it comes to brakes.

[blazed]

thats why i was asking. so good quality being goodridge? if so all the pics seem to show banjo connections, do they actually or is it just a generic photo? thanks for your help

[HairyScreech]

Probably just a generic photo.

Most of the goodridge ones maintain the standard connector style.

Hel do some decent ones but the fitments can be a bit tricky.