Brake Lines (Current Options)

shb5007

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One of my winter projects will be to replace the brake lines on my Cobra... as they are getting some age on them. From what I can tell... there are currently 3 main options?

1.) Maximum Motorsports ($215) Maximum Motorsports 99-04 Cobra Stainless Braided Brake Line Kit

2.) J&M ($215) J&M 99-04 Cobra IRS OEM Fit Brake Hose Kit (Front and Rear)

3.) Russell ($150) Russell 99-04 Cobra Braided Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Any thoughts on the pro's and con's of any of these? Obviously the Russell is much cheaper, but I don't just go for price on something important like brakes.

Have anyone installed any of these? Or replaced their OEM lines? Any tips? Is it more difficult with the IRS?

Thanks!
 

jrgoffin

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They will all perform equally as well. That being said, have the Russell kit in mine, zero complaints.

Some details here ---> Brakes & Wheels

Front%20brakes.jpg


Rear%20caliper%20line.jpg
 

me32

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OEM is all you need unless you're putting your car through some extreme braking conditions.

Weather and age may have worn them. So why not upgrade when you need to replace them.

Plus the cobra brakes stock arent that great after adding some more power.
 

blownstang4.6

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Weather and age may have worn them. So why not upgrade when you need to replace them.

Plus the cobra brakes stock arent that great after adding some more power.

I bought OEM replacements. Cost like $50. Shop i use for mods actually recommended rubber over stainless in the front due to constant movement and flexing on a street car. They'll seen stainless ones crack and leak eventually.
 

me32

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I bought OEM replacements. Cost like $50. Shop i use for mods actually recommended rubber over stainless in the front due to constant movement and flexing on a street car. They'll seen stainless ones crack and leak eventually.

Good price if your bought Ford/motorcraft replacements.

All lines will eventually leak and crack.
 

Makobra

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i put russells on mine. i think. i just got the cheapest ones. they're great quality.
 

blownstang4.6

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Good price if your bought Ford/motorcraft replacements.

All lines will eventually leak and crack.

Have never had it happen yet. 13 years of daily driving on my GT in snow, salt, ice etc. The lines on my Mach are 15 years old with no issues. I bought hoses just in case for when I do the brakes this winter. Haven't replaced them yet. Car runs 11.00 with no issues on the stock brakes.
 

me32

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Have never had it happen yet. 13 years of daily driving on my GT in snow, salt, ice etc. The lines on my Mach are 15 years old with no issues. I bought hoses just in case for when I do the brakes this winter. Haven't replaced them yet. Car runs 11.00 with no issues on the stock brakes.
Had it happen on a 89 fox, 88 Lincoln, 73 cougar. All Ca cars. So it happens. You just haven't experienced it.

Nice. But the 1/8 mile isnt where you need brakes. Its on the the backroads, autocross, road course. Mexico runs.
 

blownstang4.6

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Had it happen on a 89 fox, 88 Lincoln, 73 cougar. All Ca cars. So it happens. You just haven't experienced it.

Nice. But the 1/8 mile isnt where you need brakes. Its on the the backroads, autocross, road course. Mexico runs.

Definitely agree. Regular street driving and drag racing they aren't necessary. Other forms of racing, yes. I've only had the car up to 125mph on the street so if someone is pulling to 160mph regularly, then yea bigger brakes.
 

03yllwguy

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If you weren’t planning on it, I’d get a Motive powerbleeder and do a full flush while you are at it.

Also, if you lowered the car, there is potential for the right rear SS line to hang just low enough to “kiss” the rear CV boot which can cause it to tear after time. I had to take 550 cord and short stay mine up about 1/2”.


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