Suspension & Brakes - question on Earls SS brake lines

I just bought a set of SS brake lines. When I opened it up, there was 5 lines? what is the 5th line for (obviousley the others are for the corners) also, does anyone have a good right up on how to replace them? I checked install U. , ls1howto.com


or does anyone have any good tips on who to do this??


thanks again

Jimmy

The 5th line is for traction control cars so if you have the TCS switch you'll need that 5th line. Not sure of any How To write up's may try a search for it.

The 5th line is for traction control cars so if you have the TCS switch you'll need that 5th line. Not sure of any How To write up's may try a search for it.
Incorrect. The 5-pc kit is for non-traction control cars. The 5th line replaces the line located by the rear end pumpkin.

Incorrect. The 5-pc kit is for non-traction control cars. The 5th line replaces the line located by the rear end pumpkin.

I've got traction control and have 5 lines and when I ordered my line kit from Thunder racing they asked if I had traction control because it takes the 5 line kit.

i also have TCS. COme on, i know someone has done this

This kit is arriving...... tomorrow..... so I dunno yet.

I'll keep ya updated.

I got mine a few days ago, but i wont be installing them until thursday

Mine came with 5 lines, 98 no traction control.

I just order my set of earl's ss brake lines from thunder racing as well. I'll probably be installing mine on friday. The thunder racing website says that only the 4 outer lines are to be used on traction control cars.

I just order my set of earl's ss brake lines from thunder racing as well. I'll probably be installing mine on friday. The thunder racing website says that only the 4 outer lines are to be used on traction control cars.
This is correct. There is no 5th line for a TCS equipped car.

This is correct. There is no 5th line for a TCS equipped car.

Well your right about the 5 line kit isn't for a traction controll car I just got out from under mine and it has 6 lines 1 on each caliper and 2 on the rear end housing going to a junction block. So this Earls kit that I've had sitting around for a year isn't going to do me any good, hope some one makes a 6 line kit. :(

I think you want the Goodridge kit. I ordered mine a while ago but I'm still waiting for it.

Hope this helps.

Rampant

I think you want the Goodridge kit. I ordered mine a while ago but I'm still waiting for it.

Hope this helps.

Rampant

Thanks, so where can I get this Goodridge kit?

Thanks, so where can I get this Goodridge kit?
You gonna sell the 5 hose kit now, interested if you are.

I just installed earls lines 5 line kit is for non TCS cars you need a 6line kit for TCS cars. hope that helps

Does the TC line help with braking consistancy like the other lines? Or is it just for 'completeness' of all the lines?

You gonna sell the 5 hose kit now, interested if you are.

Yea guess I'll sell the kit, it won't do me any good I wish Thunder Racing knew what they were talking about when I ordered it.

They make a line for the TCS, Thunder was selling it. I've had mine on for awhile now. I didn't replace those middle lines. But they do make a line for that. It's not sold in a kit, just individually.

so because i have TCS, i need that extra brake line?? I have the kit with the five lines

need help, i was going to install them today :(

so because i have TCS, i need that extra brake line?? I have the kit with the five lines

need help, i was going to install them today :(

If you want to you can just install the 4 lines at each corner but you would still have the 2 rubber lines on the rear end.

why do i even need the 6th line, or the 5th??? what are they for

Ok..... installed it.... and installed the speed bleeders too.

Make sure you reuse the copper o rings when installing the new braided steel lines to the caliper!

The first one I did..... leaked.... until I removed it and put back the copper o ring... then no leaking.

Use LOTS of WD40/ penetrating lube.

Use flare wrenches for the brake lines... don't just use a regular wrench.

I installed the speed bleeders at the same time and it went perfect!

I installed all four lines to calipers.... but ran out of time for the center one to the distribution block near the rear.

Immediate difference! Pedal feel... braking etc.

Keep in mind.... my rubber lines had 95,000 miles on them!

Went to track already..... now the bird's brakes hold on a stalled launch!

Much happier!

Here's the info I have collected on braided lines:

Chevrolet Camaro GOOD 12218 (98-99) w/o Traction Control - 5 Lines 128.75
Chevrolet Camaro GOOD 12257 (98-99) w/ Traction Control - 6 Lines 160.00
lingenfelter.com

5 piece Earls kit - Thunder Racing
151-28A460 Hyperfirm Brake Line Kit (Front & Rear), 1998-2002 F-body $113.95

28A460 Earl's Hyperfirm brake line kit $118.99 - T-Byrne

Russell 98/02 Camaro/Firebird w/ Traction Control 6 Line kit $146
http://www.stealthperf.com/cgi-bin/store/692290.html?id=xJ7WIGie

Russell Street Legal Braided Brake Lines - 98+ with traction [692290] $139
http://www.eadperformance.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=397&osCsid=5237caa2b58d66abc10c3c04cbed3b02

Strano has: KVR has lines for both TC and non-TC cars. The Traction Control kit--6 lines is $159.

I've heard some people can feel a difference, some can't. I really don't know if I should get them or not. Can anyone give more feedback on the differences? Such as pedal travel, firmness, braking differences, etc... I'd really appreciate it.

Jason

Jason, I never could honestly feel a difference.

Some claim a huge difference and I bet it's more the fresh brake fluid rather than line flex ...

I built a pressure bleeder and switched the factory 1999 fluid over to ATE Super Blue. I didn't have any visable air in the lines, but it did make a difference in feel. It was a little firmer, which is good. I'm not sure I could get the pedal any firmer with steel lines, plus you invite air into the system by changing them out. I just don't know if it is worth the potential risk to change mine. I'm going to wait until I get my new brakes broken in to decide if it is worth it or not.

Hey Mitch, can you check this thread and offer any advice on bedding in new brakes?
http://frrax.com/rrforum/index.php?act=ST&f=2&t=4103
Surely you must have the technique down pat, right?

Fresh fluid along with a GOOD bleed makes a big difference. SS lines vs. new rubber lines = tiny difference. SS lines vs. old rubber lines = big difference plus will stay feeling that way. SS lines will also keep water out of the brake fluid longer. Brake fluid attracts moisture so strongly that it actually soaks through rubber lines. Will take much longer through SS. Ss vs. rubber - small difference when all new, when old - difference is huge. Hope that helps.

I've heard that there can be a difference between new rubber and the SS lines under race conditions. The increased heat and hence, hotter brake fluid can cause the rubber lines to be heated as well causing them to stretch a bit more easily. The SS lines are supposed to use teflon liners which flex less when heated. I don't know if it is true, but I felt it worthy of mentioning.

Another thing I heard is that SS lines should be covered with a rubber protective sheath to keep then clean. If a small speck of dirt or sand gets into the SS braid it can rub against the teflon liner and possibly wear a hole in it. That would be catastrophic. Again, I don't know if it is true, but I felt it worthy of mentioning.

Wish I would have caught this thread earlier. ABS needs a 5 line kit and the TCS needs a 6 line kit. I have a 6 line set from Techna-fit that was custom made for my Corvette front brakes.