Stainless Steel Braided Brake Line Failure

[Karma]

I just spent a few minutes writing a lengthy summary, but I got logged out because it took too long, so here is the short, short story.

Techna Fit SS braided brake lines w/ sleeve, 4-5 yrs on the car, HFP suspension, no track use, driven in warm weather.

http://www.ephatch.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6293&d=1350954941

Picked up car from dealer, drove off, no brakes. No issues before hand. Hose from right-front.

Tech commented on receipt (after replacing with new OEM hose) that is was short and that it may have been pulled.

Talked with service manager about no one telling me verbally or written on first receipt. Don't know why no one said anything; it was as noticeable as a flat tire. Brake hoses normally don't fail in a 4-5 year time frame, unless there is some extreme or severe force/wear/tear.

Pretty concerned about my left front now. Will also be replacing that one soon.

Related:
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/showthread.php?48767-Stainless-Brake-lines-safety-on-the-EP3

[Karma]

I had a chance to compare the OEM and SS brake lines. I can now see how the hose would get pulled so hard when making a tight right turn.

The right SS seems to be significantly shorter than the right OEM, by about 2 inches. With the SS being shorter, the black sleeve over the fitting and hose also hinders flexing.

The left SS seems to have more than adequate length as compared to the right SS. I don't understand why the right hose is significantly shorter.

The remaining section on both SS hoses passed the mounting bracket leading to the caliper is fairly tight (not shown). That shouldn't be an issue since that section isn't flexing as much when turning.

Right SS compared to right OEM.
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6302&d=1351396660

Right SS (shorter hose) compared to left SS.
http://www.ephatch.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=6303&d=1351396672

[rd02SiR]

I have Russell SS lines i believe. I did notice it was a tad shorter when installing, but didn't really think much of it. Ill have to check mine out at full crank.

[Karma]

**UPDATE**

I called Techna-Fit and spoke to their president Stuart (I didn't ask to, they just transferred me to him) about the short hose length and the whole event that took place. He said that the rear hose length should be 19.75 inches and the fronts should be 22 - 5/8 inches. After checking with the ones I have, my rear hoses and left front are correct. Stuart said he would send me a correct replacement hose for the right front for free.

About a week later, I get a call from someone at my old apartment address telling me that he has a package for me. As it turns out, Techna Fit sent the new hose to my old address in Florida, even though I gave him my new address in Alabama. I had bought the original hoses 5 years ago from Corsport when I lived in FL, so I assume that's where he got it from.

I worked out a deal with the guy at my old address and finally get the the new brake lines. Thankfully he was nice enough to call and help me out. To my surprise I see that Techna Fit sent me a new front pair and not just 1 for the right. The new hoses have a better mounting bracket than my old ones; it's a rubber sleeve with a metal ring versus a 1-piece hard plastic. The new hoses are also longer, measuring 22.75 inches. Old long hose was 22.5 inches.

Don't know when I'll get around to installing the new ones or if I ever will. Nice to see Techna-Fit upholding their lifetime warranty, even though I didn't order directly from them.