This may be blatantly obvious, so much so that I am not seeing it. Is there some major difference (other than the DOT sticker) that seperates DOT approved brake lines, and non-DOT approved brake lines?

I'm doing a Wilwood brake kit for a friend, and have a bunch of the pre-assembled brake lines that we run on our race car. Is there some difference between the ones we've ordered for the race car versus what would go onto a normal street car? This friend doesn't live in an inspection state, so that's no concern.

Mike

 

Just the price.

 

Thanks, that's pretty much what I had thought.

 

There's more to it than that. When I put this question to the Goodridge tech assist guy, he informed me that DOT approved lines must go through some additional testing, including a extended pressure and a line snap test in which the line must pass a test of not breaking when the caliper is pulled from it at a certain force.

To be legal in all states, use DOT lines. If you truly trust standard race lines go with them. I supply DOT legal lines in all my kits, safety first fellas. If you need any front or rear custom length DOT lines, PM me and let me know, glad to help.

Ed

 

From what I was reading the other night, all I have seen as far as requirements go were a.) the manner in which the ends were attached to the hose (must be permanently fixed with a deformation of the fitting, such as a crimp fit or swage) and b.) must survive the whip test. Pressurizing the line to 235 psi and spinning it at 800 rpm's for 35 hours. I have not found anything regarding a test of breaking from the caliper.

 

I'm aware of the 'extra' testing from DOT, but when I was selling parts 10 years ago, there was zero difference in the parts in the box between the DOT approved lines and non-DOT approved lines. Same coding on the rubber lines, same brass fittings, same manufacturing methods used for the connections. I had an engineer from one company tell me the DOT lines had to have a line periodically tested to make sure they met the standards and thats where the cost came in. I've seen some race lines that look a lot different (braided steel) but I seriously doubt with current practices that they are any amount less safe unless its some fly by night hose company.

 

I probably didn't term my statement exactly right but the whip test was what I meant by the "breaking from the caliper" statement, sorry.

As for any difference in them, I can't tell either other than a DOT number that comes with the DOT spec lines I use from Earl's and others.

Ed

 

the main diff is the testing and the liability standpoint... thats it.

otherwise, they're made identically...

btw, shop around... it sounds wierd, but sometimes the DOT ones are cheaper too....
i was just shopping around for a premade 24" line for my clutch, and it turned out that the DOT one was cheaper then the racing brake line.... *shrug*

 

Sometimes "racing" means more than "DOT" to the everyday consumer and companies are sure the capitalize on that.