Braided brake lines on a 211 E55

[Alex5000]

Hi all,

I have decided to tackle the main brake hard lines on my E55 as the originals look pretty deteriorated in various places along the length.

While I'm there I've been pondering braided lines to replace the rubber originals. Thinking of some black HEL or similar to try and keep it looking OEM. The brake feel with the original SBC system is pretty poor, and I am hoping that I'll get some improvement in brake feel.

Is this worthwhile to any degree or does it make no difference whatsoever to brake feel on an SBC equipped car? I am very sensitive to any change at all with a car, so even a small change I'll usually pick up on wheras others might not so much. I'll take any improvement I can get.

I know it's not really a ten tenths car, or even an eight tenths; but brakes don't really inspire at even six tenths on a twisty road - In fact it's been spoiling my enjoyment of the car.

Cheers.

 

[whitenemesis]

With SBC there is no physical connection between the brake pedal and the actual braking system, so I doubt you would notice any improvement. Personally I'd stick with OEM replacements, plus you avoid any potential insurance issues. I wanted to fit braided hoses to my (non SBC) S203 and my then insurers said they would refuse to cover me if I did...

 

[Alex5000]

With SBC there is no physical connection between the brake pedal and the actual braking system, so I doubt you would notice any improvement. Personally I'd stick with OEM replacements, plus you avoid any potential insurance issues. I wanted to fit braided hoses to my (non SBC) S203 and my then insurers said they would refuse to cover me if I did...

Yes, I was thinking about that, but you can physically feel the chassis respond to your input, ie the the braking should feel more direct even if that isn’t directly through the pedal.

I can feel a sticking piston during braking for example or pad transfer.

I have an Elise with braided lines, and I have no insurance issues.

Interested if anyone here has direct experience of fitting some to a car with SBC.

 

[AMGeed]

I'm surprised you don't find the SBC braking up to scratch.
When I ran my E55 I found it a fantastic system with very good feel and sure footed braking. It got me out of what could have been a serious incident on one occasion.
Are the discs and pads in good order, no air in the system? Had the brake fluid changed in the last couple of years?
Something doesn't sound right if the brakes aren't pulling the car up very quickly.

 

[Alex5000]

I'm surprised you don't find the SBC braking up to scratch.
When I ran my E55 I found it a fantastic system with very good feel and sure footed braking. It got me out of what could have been a serious incident on one occasion.
Are the discs and pads in good order, no air in the system? Had the brake fluid changed in the last couple of years?
Something doesn't sound right if the brakes aren't pulling the car up very quickly.

Don’t get me wrong; the outright performance is good, it will haul the car to a stop effectively.

It is the confidence I have on the brake pedal which I want to improve. The brake feel, it lacks bite on moderate application and difficult to modulate.

Recent new disks (Brembo) and pads (Pagid - front, Brembo - rear) all around. Fluid changed regularly. Like I say brake pipes are being replaced, and probably the hoses. I also did find a split piston boot on one of the front callipers which I think was preventing the piston from returning fully - a possible recent contribution.

 

[AMGeed]

Sounds like the pads aren't biting very well?
The rears don't really do much at all in the heavy braking department.
Maybe try a change of front pad. I had Brembo's in mine front and rear and they gave a good feel on the pedal.

 

[SL03WLY]

PCS fitted some braided hoses on my E55. Could not tell any differences from original parts to be honest. Still looks a lot better though

 

[Matt58]

As AMGeed has mentioned, may well be your front pads, I’m using Akebono on the the front and I’m more than than happy with the performance, bearing in mind I’ve pretty much overhauled the entire system, pump, calipers, discs.

 

[ALFAitalia]

Rears might not do much on overall barking......but they do with a fully load in the car and do make the car brake with less front end dive. I thought mine where OK until I stripped and rebuilt than and fitted yellow stuff pads to match the front....I never touched the front but braking felt much better after the rear end rebuild and I could brake harder with more confidence. I never had the hazards come whilst heavy braking before then....happened a few tines since when enjoying the back roads!!.....not sure if Mercs do that.....didn't happen with my A, SLK or CLK.

 

[pmcgsmurf]

Have them, fine.