Just got done trying to prep my car for a track day tomorrow and ran across something a little bit disturbing (besides the caliper bolts having welded themselves onto my caliper )... one of my front ABS lines had a chunk missing out of it. Normally I'd chalk it up to debris, but upon further investigation, the location of the missing piece seemed to line up really well with the tip of the camber bolt.

So I figured I'd post it up as an FYI. I don't imaging rupturing an ABS line trying to brake for a turn would be much fun... Pics for details:

The big picture


...zoomed in:


Hmm, look where this lines up...


Now before everyone panics, my other side looks fine.

How much of a PITA is it to replace that line? Also, does anyone make SS lines for the ABS?

l8r)

 

thanks for the post,
I notice you did the DIY brake cooler guide, can you feel difference?

 

Unfortunately I have had no real way to test the effectiveness of the brake ducting. Judging from the fact that I was able to manage on HP+ pads for a couple of events last year, I think they are working, but I'd call that more of an educated guess than any real data. If I could figure out how to log airflow through them ....

l8r)

 

Are you serious? Really, honestly serious?


Thats just the ABS sensor wire. Its not like they run another brake line for the ABS. there is just a small piece missing from the shielding. Zip tie it out of the way and you will be fine.

 

^ I don't claim to be a mechanical genius, that's why I post these things. If that really is only shielding for an electrical wire, then I am much relieved. I'd rather look like an idiot off the track than look like one one the track (e.g. stuffing my car into a tire barrier, or worse).

l8r)

 

, i agree bro.....thats what the forums are here for. good luck at the track

 

Exactly, there is nothing to 'rupture' in fluid terms. The wires inside of it are pretty important, obviously, but if they fail, your are just going to be driving without ABS.

Nonetheless, wrap it in some insulation, and then safety wire it out of the way and all will be well. If your ABS is still working, no need to replace the line, but do wrap it in some electrical tape as well before insulating it (maybe) and moving it out of the way.


Devin

 

FYI, the ABS line and brake line DO NOT move relative to the hub/upright. This is in reference to the section between the line mount at the caliper or hub and the bracket at the back of the strut. All of the movement in the line is between that bracket (back of strut) and the chassis mounting point.

John

 

Exactly. On the driver's side of my car, part of the bracket that holds the brake fluid line to the upright had rubbed a hold through the coating of the SS lines. The SS braiding looked fine but for my own piece of mind I wrapped the area in several layers of gaffer's tape.

Point is, every few track days be sure to inspect everything in the wheel area.

 

No, asking questions is always a good thing to do, I just didnt know if you were being sarcastic. Its just a pretty simple question for the motorsports forum.

Id rather not stuff my car into a barrier either, lol

 

Well, except for vibration, which can cause something metal to cut through electrical insulation in minutes and can even wear through braided SS lines in a surprisingly low amount of time. Just make sure none of the lines under there touch anything, or could easily vibrate against something else.

 

Thanks - now I know exactly where the ABS lines are to wrap up!

 

Yeah, now that I know what they are, I've already got some ideas on what to do with them.

Gotta fix my calipers first, though.

l8r)

 

While we're on the topic the evo has absolutely horrible brake line routing for anything with over -2.0 neg camber. The brake line bracket which mounts to the back of the strut rubs the chassis and the brake line ends up rubbing too. Absolutely pitiful. Tein Super Racing have about the best solution I have seen and I had no rubbing with a boatload of camber (much more than -2). Also in full bump the brake line bracket gets uncomfortably close to the ABS line on the chassis.

If you take a look at the evo X front brake line mounting they have changed it to run in front of the strut. Personally I think it is MUCH better solution.

John