Jump to content

HEL braided brake lines failure


cs2000

Recommended Posts

2 from 2010, 1 from 2006 and 1 from 2008. Talk about digging up the past to try and reassure yourself lol.

 

If your happy with them then fine, no need to go trawling the internet to try and deflect onto alternative products but the fact remains the OP and some others (myself included) have had bad experiences with HEL lines and are trying to point out you should check/keep an eye on yours too. If you want to dimiss this warning that's your choice.

Edited by Sargara
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I am not trying to reassure myself or deflect, i have had both goodridge and hel over the years (both fine), its just a balance to the discussion, does it matter when they have failed, still going to end in the same result and as you say to me, if you want to dismiss some factual info thats fine ;)

 

The op post is good info for sure, check your Hel lines but out of millions of lines sold, a few rogue ones are sure to be out there, just like any other high pressure fitting on any other hose, no need for hysteria and necessarily thing other lines dont or havent had failures.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

At the end of the day, as has been said. ANY manufacturer has a failure rate. Braided lines are prone to issues, hence why no car manufacturer fits them as standard. It was just that when I looked around, it seemed top be more common with HEL lines than Goodridge (for example). Whether that because there's more out there seeing as they're 1/3rd of the price I cannot say.

 

The braid is the key part as the inner liner (made of Teflon) cant hold the brake fluid pressure. If you have a weakness in the braid, its going to go pop. What happened with mine was a failure between the banjo fixing and the line itself, like it wasn't crimped properly.

 

@Rabbitstew - I think the most likely cause for failure is abrasion as the lines are held in place with the P clips, so as the lines on your bike will be fitted differently I wouldn't worry. Still give them a look-over, but probably be fine.

 

For HEL's part, they couriered me two brand new lines next day. They have indeed switched from using the 'banjo' ends to right angled screw-in connectors that mount directly into the Brembos, much like the OEM design but without the metal block.

 

IMO, the lines were too short. When Sly fitted them I remember him saying there were very short and the replacements I have been shipped are at least 30% longer and with the proper connector. Perhaps I got a bad batch before, or perhaps they found an issue and rectified it, can only guess really.

 

The op post is good info for sure, check your Hel lines but out of millions of lines sold, a few rogue ones are sure to be out there, just like any other high pressure fitting on any other hose, no need for hysteria and necessarily thing other lines dont or havent had failures.

Essentially, exactly what I was trying to say all along. Don't panic, just check the lines for signs of wear or stress (especially when wheels are on full lock). If all looks good, carry on with your life.

Edited by cs2000
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Managed to speak to a reputable local garage yesterday who were sympathetic to my plight! They have arranged for the car to be collected tomorrow, transported to them and then unfortunately they're closed for 7 days. When they return on Sept 3rd they will fit the replacement lines from HEL (in the new fitment style), bleed the brake system and hopefully put it through an MOT.

 

Fingers crossed it passes this time without something else going pop! God only know what the bill will be in the end, at this point I don't care, I just want the car back :(

 

As I have recently (12 months ago) moved house, I haven't found a reputable garage, I'm going off of recommendations from family in the area here so hopefully they come through. They're an independent, family run, BMW specialist not Nissan, but for the work I need doing it doesn't matter. Maybe they will be good for general garage work in the future, time will tell...

Edited by cs2000
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...