Stainless Brake Line Long Travel Extra Long

OVERVIEW

When you''re pushing the limits of suspension travel in a custom sand rail or a modified off-road Beetle, standard-length brake lines simply won''t cut it. This EMPI Extra Long Braided Stainless Steel Brake Line is engineered specifically for long-travel front ends that require additional slack during full articulation. At a generous 24 inches in length, this line ensures that your braking system remains functional and safe, even when your suspension is at its absolute maximum extension. Whether you''re running a wide-eye beam, long-travel trailing arms, or a custom A-arm setup, having that extra length prevents the line from becoming a tension point, which could lead to catastrophic failure or snapped fittings in the middle of a trail run or a high-speed desert sprint.

Beyond the increased length, the braided stainless steel construction offers a massive performance upgrade over traditional rubber hoses found on stock air-cooled Volkswagens. Standard rubber lines are prone to "ballooning" under high hydraulic pressure, which results in a soft, spongy pedal feel and diminished stopping power when you need it most. By encasing the inner pressure-resistant hose in a rugged stainless steel braid, this line virtually eliminates expansion, providing a firm, responsive pedal and immediate caliper or wheel cylinder engagement. Furthermore, the stainless steel outer layer acts as a protective shield against the harsh environments of off-road racing, safeguarding the inner line from flying rocks, abrasive sand, and jagged trail debris that would easily slice through a standard rubber line. This is a critical upgrade for any serious off-road build where reliability is paramount.

FITMENT

• VW Beetle: All years with custom long-travel front or rear suspension.
• VW Karmann Ghia: All years with modified high-clearance suspension setups.
• VW Thing (Type 181): Ideal for lifted or off-road oriented builds.
• Sand Rails & Dune Buggies: Universal fit for custom chassis utilizing standard VW 10mm x 1.0 thread pitch.
• Baja Bugs: Specifically designed for front beams with extended travel shocks and arms.
• Woods Buggies: Perfect for high-articulation maneuvers in technical terrain.

SPECS

• Overall Length: 24 Inches.
• Outer Material: Braided Stainless Steel.
• Inner Material: Pressure-resistant Teflon-style core.
• Fitting A: Female 10mm x 1.0 Thread.
• Fitting B: Male 10mm x 1.0 Thread.
• Finish: Natural Stainless Steel Braid.
• Quantity: Sold Individually.
• Part Number: AC611404 (EMPI 16-2516-0).

PRO TIPS

1. Routing and Clearance Management

When installing extra-long brake lines, routing is absolutely critical to ensure the line doesn''t get caught in the suspension components or rub against the tires. Use cushioned P-clamps or specialized brake line tabs to secure the line, but always leave enough "loop" to accommodate the full cycle of the suspension. Before you bleed the system, have a helper turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock and manually cycle the suspension (if possible) to verify the line doesn''t kink or pull tight at any point. A line that rubs against a rotating tire or a sharp edge on a trailing arm will fail prematurely, so double-check your clearances twice.

2. Proper Bleeding and Fluid Choice

Whenever you open the braking system to install new lines, you introduce air that must be completely purged. For off-road vehicles that see high-heat conditions, we recommend using a high-quality DOT 4 brake fluid, which has a higher boiling point than standard DOT 3. Start bleeding at the wheel furthest from the master cylinder and work your way closer. Because stainless steel lines don''t expand, you should notice a significantly firmer pedal once the air is out. If the pedal still feels soft, it''s likely there is a small pocket of air trapped in the high point of the 24-inch line; occasionally tapping the line gently with a screwdriver handle while bleeding can help dislodge these bubbles.

3. Periodic Inspection for Abrasion

While braided stainless steel is incredibly tough, it can be abrasive itself if it rubs against other components, and the braid can eventually fray if it''s constantly vibrating against a hard surface. During your pre-ride or post-ride inspections, run your hand along the length of the line to feel for any broken "whiskers" in the stainless braid. If you see any signs of the braid pulling away from the end fittings or if the line has been crushed by a rock strike, replace it immediately. In the world of off-roading, your brakes are your most important safety feature, and a 24-inch line has more surface area that needs to be monitored than a stock short line.