Author Topic: Russell SS Brake Lines (Read 1533 times)

MonstaMonsta · « **on:** June 20, 2011, 05:02:05 AM »

Hey everyone,

I was wondering whether anyone here has any experience or can advise me on whether this is a good brand for SS brake lines. I've seen the StopTechs and Goodridge Lines but was'nt convinced on the reviews did'nt really like the products they had to offer. Russell looks like they have higher quality parts, but can anyone confirm my thinking?

Part Number# 672450 Russell Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines - They don't have the Avy specifically mentioned but this is seems to be the right choice.

The hoses are listed as follows on their website,

http://russellperformance.com/mc/brake_hoses/hoses_truck.shtml
00-06 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon 1500 2WD/4WD Disc Disc 5 672450

Go for em?

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2011, 06:14:06 AM »

Thanks OBB, wasnt sure where to put this...

waz · « **Reply #2 on:** June 20, 2011, 07:32:20 PM »

Yup, those are what I used on my '04. They fit well and I like them. Also installed a set on my father's 1500HD and a friend installed a set on his 2500 Duramax. Only good things to say about them.

The hardest one to install on the AV was the one from the frame to the differential. It's a bit awkward to reach the end above the shield/tray above the spare tire. I was working with the AV on ramps and wound up sitting facing the differential and reaching up over my head and back to the fitting. Like I said, awkward, but it went well.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #3 on:** June 20, 2011, 11:36:37 PM »

I need to contact these guys and see if they make longer ones for lifted trucks.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2011, 03:47:22 AM »

Thanks for the heads up waz! Appreciate it!

I'll go ahead and place an order from Summit Racings website. I'll even attempt a write up

OBB I found this on their website,
00-06 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon 1500 2 & 4WD w/ 6" lift,(Also fits Rancho 4") Disc Disc 5 695560

^ Would this work?

here's the site again,
http://russellperformance.com/mc/brake_hoses/hoses_truck.shtml

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2011, 06:45:17 AM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on June 21, 2011, 03:47:22 AM

Thanks for the heads up waz! Appreciate it!

I'll go ahead and place an order from Summit Racings website. I'll even attempt a write up

OBB I found this on their website,
00-06 Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon 1500 2 & 4WD w/ 6" lift,(Also fits Rancho 4") Disc Disc 5 695560

^ Would this work?

here's the site again,
http://russellperformance.com/mc/brake_hoses/hoses_truck.shtml

I'll call them to verify. I also want to replace the rest of my lines with SS tubing.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2011, 10:15:19 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on June 21, 2011, 06:45:17 AM

I'll call them to verify. I also want to replace the rest of my lines with SS tubing.

Good Idea

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2011, 11:35:31 AM »

Order from summit! They're on their way!!! YAY!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #8 on:** June 21, 2011, 12:13:26 PM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on June 21, 2011, 11:35:31 AM

Order from summit! They're on their way!!! YAY!

And to think I can drop by Summit and pick mine up.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #9 on:** June 21, 2011, 04:08:14 PM »

Lucky Dog!

Hugz · « **Reply #10 on:** June 22, 2011, 05:47:15 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on June 21, 2011, 12:13:26 PM

And to think I can drop by Summit and pick mine up.

Makes me think I need to order some now.. Havent been to one in a while, now I might have a reason.. heeheee

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2011, 10:17:28 AM »

Also Got myself a pair of those speed bleeders "One Person" Brake Bleeders for the front and rear...

Check em out,
http://russellperformance.com/mc/speed/truck.shtml

Hugz · « **Reply #12 on:** July 13, 2011, 06:13:27 PM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on June 25, 2011, 10:17:28 AM

Also Got myself a pair of those speed bleeders "One Person" Brake Bleeders for the front and rear...

Check em out,
http://russellperformance.com/mc/speed/truck.shtml

How did the install go??

Think its time to order some. Need to do a little work on the Brake system over the next few weeks..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2011, 04:30:34 AM »

Hey Hugz! I've gotta tell you these Brake line look and feel SOLID!!!! I have to run up to the gas station and purchase some Mobil 1 Brake fluid before I start the install... But when I get them in I'll be sure to snap some pictures and do a mini write up!

Hugz · « **Reply #14 on:** July 14, 2011, 06:13:20 AM »

Sounds good..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #15 on:** July 14, 2011, 12:50:35 PM »

No pictures just yet as it is night over here... But just a quick couple of notes on the install so far.

1 - Make time for this... it took me a hole hour just to get the driver side hose off and the new one on...

2 - I noticed the supplied "crush" washers that come with the hoses are "steel?" or "aluminum?" and the OEMs are copper... I'm sure the supplied ones are great but I have more faith in the OEM ones being copper... we'll see soon enough.

3 - don't let the brake fluid run down the lines!!! it'll eat the nice "russell" print !!! Install the line from the top first then the bottom at the caliper! Stupid me did it the other way round without thinking...

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2011, 12:57:12 PM »

Finallu Done, and WOW! Defintely a difference.

Brakes are Firm and they feel more responsive. I recommend this to anyone who wants to improve the overall braking system for the 2002 Avy.

I'll take some pictures to post up.

Other than that if anyone has any questions, shoot

One more thing... I recommend any one considering this mod buy the 4 banjo bolts. I reused mine as none came with the kit. Other kits like stoptech and Goodridge have them but I've read claims that they snap because theyre made of "low grade" aluminum.

Hugz · « **Reply #17 on:** July 15, 2011, 04:22:39 PM »

They are on order.. Guess I have a project to do again..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #18 on:** July 15, 2011, 05:22:23 PM »

Alright Hugz!!! Let me know if you have any questions on the install Ill do my best to help out!!

Couple of more tips,

Change the lines 1 at a time so as to be sure that the brake resevoir doesnt run dry... if it does you'll be bench bleeding you're master cylinder. - though I doubt anyone would attempt to change more than one at a time.

I changed all 5 out then bleed them starting with the one furthest from the resevoir so that would be the rear on the passengers side. - The speed bleeders saved me so much time here

Lastly, have a tiny "eyeglasses" sort of flat head screw driver in order to pry loose the crush washers on the rear banjo bolts. Mine were practically glued onto the banjo bolts so it took a lot of prying... good thing the originals are copper and are easy to remove.

Lastly, the most difficult line I found was the rear center line... I back the truck up on a sidewalk and crawled underneath it inorder to reach the top of the line, You WILL HAVE TO remove you're spare tire in order to change this line out.. While you're under there you should also inspect the metal brake tubes for heavy corrosion... Mine were pretty bad and Im out here in the Desert!!!

Hugz · « **Reply #19 on:** July 16, 2011, 10:47:19 AM »

Thanks for the pointers.. Going to be a busy few days, as the speed sensors in the front bearings are going out, as I am getting the traction control/ABS idiot lights.. So much for the Timkin being great.. At least they are being exchanged for free..
Last changing the front shocks over to some monomax..

Then at some point in the future it will be time to upgrade the AVIC to a newer one..

So yes its going to be a BUSY summer to say the least..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #20 on:** July 16, 2011, 11:05:38 AM »

Quote from: Hugz on July 16, 2011, 10:47:19 AM

Thanks for the pointers.. Going to be a busy few days, as the speed sensors in the front bearings are going out, as I am getting the traction control/ABS idiot lights.. So much for the Timkin being great.. At least they are being exchanged for free..
Last changing the front shocks over to some monomax..

Then at some point in the future it will be time to upgrade the AVIC to a newer one..

So yes its going to be a BUSY summer to say the least..

Hugz, whats an "AVIC"?

The shock upgrade is a good idea. I changed mine out for some Monroe "Sensatracs" awhile back and I'm happy with their performance... its a somewhat stiffer shock, I have to do the back ones soon.

Hugz · « **Reply #21 on:** July 16, 2011, 11:23:07 AM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on July 16, 2011, 11:05:38 AM

Hugz, whats an "AVIC"?

The shock upgrade is a good idea. I changed mine out for some Monroe "Sensatracs" awhile back and I'm happy with their performance... its a somewhat stiffer shock, I have to do the back ones soon.

My bad.. A Pioneer radio... Made a modification to my dash a few years back so it would accept a double din unit..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #22 on:** July 16, 2011, 11:33:47 AM »

Oh alright

Hugz · « **Reply #23 on:** July 24, 2011, 04:41:27 PM »

Brake lines are swapped out.. I do notice a difference in the pedal, and also changed out the front hubs.. Having less than a year, and 24K on them I wasnt too happy as they were a GOOD hub assembly.. i.e. NOT from China.. LOL After showing tem to the shop they had asked if they were under water as they were very very rusty.. I said nope, not at all, they knew my truck well enough they covered the cost of them.. Sounds like when they were made the protective coating wasnt put of them efore they made it out the door at the manufacture.. Shocks I decided to old off a little while, as I didnt want the av to be down too long..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #24 on:** August 06, 2011, 04:03:16 AM »

Congrats Hugz!! Sorry to hear about the Hubs going bad, with less than a year on em, but understandable if they were'nt "Finished" when they left the factory

Shocks are fairly easy to replace... at least the front ones. Haven't replace my rears yet. took my mechanic 30 mins total to replace both front shocks with some Monroe Sensatracs. Firmer ride now. I like the thicker metal rod on the monroes Vs the some what thinner Bilsteins. We'll see how long the monroes last though...

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #25 on:** August 06, 2011, 04:05:42 AM »

Hugz was there any telltale sign that your hubs were bad? like a rubbing sound ? or do you have to remove the wheel and inspect it to know, Im creeping up on 130,000 miles and havent serviced my wheel hubs at all, and have no clue what to be looking/listening for.

AvalancheAviator · « **Reply #26 on:** August 06, 2011, 07:53:45 AM »

MM, you'll hear a whine at higher speeds. It'll either diminish or disappear when going around an opposite curve at speed. There's really nothing to inspect for until you get the assembly off the truck and spin it by hand. Then you'll notice the grinding! If you do it on the truck, you won't be able to tell because of everything else spinning with it. The diff, half shaft....

Little tips if you do have to replace the hubs. You don't have to break a ball joint to get the shaft out. Just unbolt the lower shock mount and pull it out the back side. It's tight, but it's definitely easier than breaking the joint. You'll need an air chisel to remove the old hubs. They're not pressed in, but rust does have a nasty habit of filling spaces! Clean up the mounting surfaces and the new assembly will go right into the knuckle.

The torque specs are:
Hub to steering knuckle: 130 foot pounds
Spindle Nut: 170 foot pounds

I can't remember if yours is 4x4, but if it is, throw it into 4wd to get the spindle nut and the half shaft bolts off. It's a lot easier than trying to hold it another way...

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #27 on:** August 06, 2011, 08:34:31 AM »

THANK YOU AA! Good to know

Hugz · « **Reply #28 on:** August 06, 2011, 07:41:56 PM »

The set I had to replace was the 3rd set in less than 3 years.. Factory set went for the longest.. There was a little movement top to botton when the av was jacked up.. Next set, (got off ebay) were made in China, had a total failure with the bearing blewing apart, locked up the hub and put a flat spot of my tire.. This set, I had issues with the ABS sensor triggering on slow turns and startrup..

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #29 on:** August 08, 2011, 03:02:24 AM »

Quote from: Hugz on August 06, 2011, 07:41:56 PM

The set I had to replace was the 3rd set in less than 3 years.. Factory set went for the longest.. There was a little movement top to botton when the av was jacked up.. Next set, (got off ebay) were made in China, had a total failure with the bearing blewing apart, locked up the hub and put a flat spot of my tire.. This set, I had issues with the ABS sensor triggering on slow turns and startrup..

Good info

Sorry to hear about all the trouble those hubs have been causing you Hugz

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #30 on:** October 09, 2011, 06:24:18 PM »

Well, I went out and started this project today

I should have know that it would turn into a pita for me. As previously posted, this avy ran oil wells for the first 4 years of it's life before I got my hands on it. I broke every steel brake line in the rear end and had to replace those today.

The Russell speed bleeder stripped out a caliper and I had to replace that. The lifetime pads I put on a year ago were shot but those and the caliper got warrantied so no money out of pocket there, just the hassle of having to change them again. I've got a few good pix that I'll post once everything is back together. I'm done with it for the night. Gonna take the bike to work tomorrow.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #31 on:** October 12, 2011, 02:46:42 PM »

Woahhhhhhhhh that sounds like a mess! I'm sorry you had a hard time. Mine were pretty rusted too! and the truck hasnt been through too much! I think the OEM brake lines are crap. Wonder how much it would cost to run stainless steel ones throughout and whether there is a kit out there. My speed bleeders weren't much trouble. Sorry to hear they stripped your calipers.. Gee OBB sounds like you had a hell of a time :( wish I coulda been there to lend a hand.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #32 on:** October 12, 2011, 07:46:27 PM »

I do have a couple of days off during the week next week. We'll get it on the rack and finish replacing every inch of line so it'll be all new. Oh, got some new brake parts for the front today too.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #33 on:** October 13, 2011, 12:50:59 AM »

Pic-a-chures.... We need em

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #34 on:** November 05, 2011, 04:24:14 PM »

Finally finished mine up today along with the 13" front brake upgrade

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #35 on:** November 05, 2011, 04:25:33 PM »

Here's some pix of the brakes

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #36 on:** November 10, 2011, 09:09:10 AM »

Awesome OBB Those discs are really cool looking, do you feel a difference? I think the biggest benefit so far for me is the fact that my pads actually last longer! and all four wear evenly!!!

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #37 on:** November 10, 2011, 05:49:04 PM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on November 10, 2011, 09:09:10 AM

Awesome OBB Those discs are really cool looking, do you feel a difference? I think the biggest benefit so far for me is the fact that my pads actually last longer! and all four wear evenly!!!

Yeah, the pedal is definitely more firm when you apply the brakes. I wish they'd engage a little sooner though. The pedal is not as soft as it used to be but compared to Twiggy's 05 it's still a soft pedal. I don't know what kind of brakes are on hers as we haven't had to touch them but those things will put you through the windshield if you stomp on them too hard.

MonstaMonsta · « **Reply #38 on:** November 12, 2011, 03:28:38 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on November 10, 2011, 05:49:04 PM

... I don't know what kind of brakes are on hers as we haven't had to touch them but those things will put you through the windshield if you stomp on them too hard.

Oh yeah? Are you refering to the whole setup or just the pads? I'd love to have a setup that would brake like that.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #39 on:** November 12, 2011, 04:27:41 AM »

Quote from: MonstaMonsta on November 12, 2011, 03:28:38 AM

Oh yeah? Are you refering to the whole setup or just the pads? I'd love to have a setup that would brake like that.

Might be just the pads. Although now that mine have seated in even better, it stops 100 times better. Pedal is stiffer and you can actually feel the front brakes working instead of the truck slowing down "from the rear pads" so to speak. I still had over 1/2 the pads left on the fronts when I took them off. Must be 50k miles on them.