Braided Steel Brake Lines
p/n: CAD-2000
5 Lines with Banjo Bolts / copper washers
Lindsay Cadillac – Alexandra,
Purpose: Changing the stock rubber lines that go to each caliper to braided steel reduces flex in the line which creates a firmer pedal feel and more pressure throughout the line.
Time: 2 hours
Contact: Luke Butler
Price: $135 US
Shipping: 15.15US
– USPS expedite
Duty: none
Brokerage: none
GST: none
TOTAL: $159.16 CAN
This is a common mod in which the driver notices every time you drive. Much better braking feel by removing the flex in any existing rubber lines.
Stock setup here… * Note this is the Driver REAR having the only one straight (no angle) fitting. Read below to get the after install procedure
Each line gets replaced along with the crossover line in the rear.
A simple clip holds the line to the frame where the rubber hose joins the cars metal line.
Using a hammer and screwdriver, drive that clip out of the way, move the line to be able to get wrenches (13mm) to the fitting.
Remove the line and reverse the steps to install the new lines.
This is on the Passenger Front.
PROCEDURE
Here are steps involved after the lines are installed.
** Solo-bleeders can be purchased to make life a bit easier, but 8 are needed with the CTS-V.
# 1. Begin at the corner furthest from the driver and proceed in order toward the driver. (Right rear, left rear, right front, left front.) While the actual sequence is not critical to the bleed performance it is easy to remember the sequence as the farthest to the closest. This will also allow the system to be bled in such a way as to minimize the amount of potential cross-contamination between the new and old fluid.
PROPER ORDER:
1. Passenger Rear – INNER * Inner first due to the caliper inlet being on the outside
2. Passenger Rear - OUTER
3. Driver Rear - INNER
4. Driver Rear - OUTER
5. Passenger Front - INNER
6. Passenger Front - OUTER
7. Driver Front - INNER
8. Driver Front - OUTER
# 2. Locate the bleeder screw at the rear of the caliper body. Remove the rubber cap from the bleeder screw – and don’t lose it!
# 3. Place the box-end wrench over the bleeder screw. An offset wrench works best – since it allows the most room for movement.
# 4. Place one end of the clear plastic hose over the nipple of the bleeder screw.
# 5. Place the other end of the hose into the disposable bottle.
# 6. Place the bottle for waste fluid on top of the caliper body or drum assembly. Hold the bottle with one hand and grasp the wrench with the other hand.
# 7. Instruct the assistant to "apply." The assistant should pump the brake pedal three times, hold the pedal down firmly, and respond with "applied." Instruct the assistant not to release the brakes until told to do so.
# 8. Loosen the bleeder screw with a brief ¼ turn to release fluid into the waste line. The screw only needs to be open for one second or less. (The brake pedal will "fall" to the floor as the bleeder screw is opened. Instruct the assistant in advance not to release the brakes until instructed to do so.)
# 9. Close the bleeder screw by tightening it gently. Note that one does not need to pull on the wrench with ridiculous force. Usually just a quick tug will do.
# 10. Instruct the assistant to "release" the brakes. Note: do NOT release the brake pedal while the bleeder screw is open, as this will suck air back into the system! Of course, if you are using a submerged hose in a bottle with fluid, this can be done clean, quick and solo.
# 11. The assistant should respond with "released."
# 12. Inspect the fluid within the waste line for air bubbles.
# 13. Continue the bleeding process (steps 11 through 16) until air bubbles are no longer present. Be sure to check the brake fluid level in the reservoir after bleeding each wheel! Add fluid as necessary to keep the level at the MAX marking. (Typically, one repeats this process 5-10 times per wheel when doing a ‘standard’ bleed.)
# 14. Move systematically toward the driver – right rear, left rear, right front, left front - repeating the
bleeding process at each corner. Be sure to keep a watchful eye on the brake fluid reservoir! Keep it full!
# 15. When all four corners have been bled, spray the bleeder screw (and any other parts that were moistened with spilled or dripped brake fluid) with brake cleaner and wipe dry with a clean rag. (Leaving the area clean and dry will make it easier to spot leaks through visual inspection later!) Try to avoid spraying the brake cleaner DIRECTLY on any parts made of rubber or plastic, as the cleaner can make these parts brittle after repeated exposure.
# 16. Test the brake pedal for a firm feel. (Bleeding the brakes will not necessarily cure a "soft" or "mushy" pedal – since pad taper and compliance elsewhere within the system can contribute to a soft pedal. But the pedal should not be any worse than it was prior to the bleeding procedure!)
# 17. Be sure to inspect the bleeder screws and other fittings for signs of leakage. Correct as necessary.
# 18. Properly dispose of the used waste fluid as you would dispose of used motor oil. Important: used brake fluid should NEVER be poured back into the master cylinder reservoir!
End