The steel brakes lines will need to be monitored much more so than the rubber lines, have a greater risk of rust developing as a result of moisture in the brake fluid and even though there are many opinions, I don’t feel they should be kept on for much longer than a couple of years. Rubber hoses will flex where steel lines may rupture.

Justin

Thanks for the great articles! They were really helpful when I was looking for a car. I ended up buying a 2001 Legacy Brighton. The previous owner had some troubles with the engine – head gaskets had been done 3 times by the dealer, then the short block was replaced at 117k km. I bought the car at 121k a year ago, and it has been a wonderful and trouble-free vehicle so far, especially shining in the East Coast snowstorms.

Approaching the 144k km mark, the front brakes may be due soon, and I was thinking of upgrading to DBA4000 rotors, Hawk HPS pads and steel brake lines, because the stock brakes feel a bit mushy on most Legacies I’ve driven so far.

In the article, you are saying, “now we do not typically suggest [upgrading the brake lines]“. Is there any specific reason why?

Thanks

Stan