[2001 ZTS]

Gee I feel missed, lots of replies and debate.

SS brake lines were "de riguour" (sp?) for motorcycles back when I modded mine in the 80's and probably before. Bikes have LONG brake lines from the handle bars to the front calipers (ie: many feet). Cars only have a few inches of flexible brake line, the rest being steel tubes. In almost all cases the flexible parts are "re-inforced" rubber .

Unlike air, any fluids (brake fluid included) cannot be compressed (thats the whole idea behind how hydralic systems work) . Because brakes are a closed system the fluid will always seek the weakest point. The idea being that all the pressure goes to the calipers to close them on the disc. However with rubber hoses some pressure is lost due to the fact the rubber hoses expand too. SS braided hoses reduce that, a LOT. In a car its not as much a diff as for a bike but it is still noticable. I put SS lines to all 4 corners of the Focus ages ago and it is a noticable improvement but........................

................there is something else bikers also used to do as well. Drain and fill brake fluid annually no matter your milage. It deteriorates over time. You can all manage well enough if you don't but if you like using brakes to their full, or need them, drain and fill annually. TRUST ME.

Changing your fluid more often is the better money spent but that AND braided lines is the best.

I use SS braided lines on oil tankers (ships) up to 10" diameter, 185^C fluids, 150 PSI and for lengths long enough to go from ship to shore plus flexible enough to compensate for changes in tide, seas, weather and draft.

Short version: good mod, flushing brake fluid is overlooked, do both: GOLDEN