Stainless steel brake line install concerns
 

I picked up the 6-pc ti-specific brake line set from TMS a little bit ago and did the install over the weekend along with most the other replaceable braking goodies (rotors / pads / etc). The 2 front lines were obviously longer than the 4 lines in the rear-that wasn't a problem. My concern does lie with the two front brake lines though, when I went to install them with the car jacked up under the side-rocker jack points and the front suspension at full droop, there was no way in hell that the brake lines could be connected to the caliper and reach the brake rotors (for mounting). The lines seemed to be too short, definitely shorter than stock at least. I *was* able to install the lines by compressing the front suspension a bit--however, if the suspension will ever see full droop again, the front brake lines will have to snap first.

Has anyone else had this issue? I'm going to try contacting TMS as soon as I can / after they open up again to see what the deal is.

Matt

What you describe is NOT NORMAL. I would not have put those lines on. How in the world are you ever going to service your car? I would put the old ones on, or get the correct lines ASAP. It'a a dangerous situation, please be careful.

FMD,
That doesn't sound like a good situation. I used the SS lines from Bavarian Autosport and didn't have any issues like that. Is it possible that you're getting more droop than you should on your suspension? Let us know what you figure out.

Hm I got a reply from TMS which asked if I could provide the stock front brake line measurements and send the info their way.. except I don't have the old brake lines anymore :frown:.

Does anyone have a set of old / uninstalled front brake lines lying around and can measure their length for me? I'd really appreciate it. It's BMW part number 34-32-1-159-717-M4 if that helps any.

These are the pictures of the lines I found on pelican parts:
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1...akeline9cg.jpg
http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/7...akeline2hf.png

Thanks to whoever has these measurements!

18 1/2" from tip to tip.

Really? Hm, I thought they seemed longer than that. Thanks a bunch!

It was tough because mine had two bends in them. But I don't think they are any longer than that.

I thought the front brake lines were the same in all the basic e36 cars, I wonder even if my stainless lines were for a non-ti, why they wouldn't fit. I've got koni yellows and vogtland springs all around but I'm pretty sure that shouldn't make a bit of difference.

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partxref....9717&showus=on
It looks like it's the same front hose for all E36s except for an M3.

I've got two brand new OEM hoses right here. I'm getting 17 15/16"