Alberick

I was planning to fit Goodridge (or other brand) brake lines and was wondering if there are brake lines that do look like the OEM ones?

the problem is that the MoT over here is quite strict and shiny brake lines with green/red/blue/pink anodised ends would catch their eye immediatly and I don't want to go through the hassle of re-fitting the OEM ones every year.

Or do they get dirty after a while anyway, so that the colored ends cannot be seen anymore? Else could I wrap them in something to make them less visible?

Thanks for any tips,
Ramon

Dyney

Just cover them with some old black hose
They will get dirty pretty quick!!
What do your wheels look like after a week of hard motoring

Alberick

Thanks Dyney,

so you're saying that, if I fit them shortly after the MoT, they will be so dirty & full of brake dust 1 year later that nobody will notice 'em??
As long as I don't wipe them, of course....

Dyney

Probably

But you could just paint the ends black as well as covering in old hose.

They would probably pass a quick inspection. Not shiney so don't catch the eye.
Try it and see

ozzy

Goodridge do black brake lines on their other ranges, but I've never seen these for Impreza's. I'm sure they could be make up for you, but that would be an expensive option.

Normally the brake lines have a coloured vinyl colour over them if you fancy a change from the stainless braiding. It maybe possible to buy a std kit and then get some of the black covering.

Out of interest, why would they fail an MOT?

Stefan

RON

I'm pretty sure they can use a 'shrink wrap' type black material to cover them if you wish! you'd probably need to go direct to goodridge though, they're easy to deal with, done it several times!

Ron.

Alberick

Stefan,

well probably they won't fail the MoT...if I would live in the UK.
However I live in Luxembourg and our "MoT" is more similar to the German TUV, meaning they are extremely strict.

Example, I have an STI 5 wing, and did not pass, I had to go to the TUV HQ and get a special approval for that wing.
Brake lines would probably be seen by the technicians as they check the underside of the car too.
Every year I have to put back my standard twin pea shooter exhaust in order to pass as my STI sports muffler wouldn't pass.
Changing the backbox myself is no problem a 15 minute job, but brake lines...
I have a lot of mods in my mind but always have to think about the TUV, what could they detect and what not, what is easy to replace with the original part etc

The best was when one of the TUV mechanics checked the engine bay, started to pull on the i/c and asked me if this is normal or something I installed on the car....

diogenese

They certainly woudn't be a problem in the UK, I should know, I'm an MOT tester! I'm not sure about Luxemburg though, I reckon black heat shrink would be the ideal disguise if they don't like modifications.

ozzy

Yeah, I knew you lived in Luxemburg; just wondered how it was different to the UK. Do you know if they will fail for definite?

I know some of the brake line manufacturers for road bikes have TUV approval.

Is it worth asking Goodridge in Holland (they deal with Benelux) to see if they have kits that are TUV approved?

Stefan

Alberick

I will check with Goodridge in Holland.
If there is no TUV they will fail for sure, the only exception would be that there is some mechanic down there who does not have a clue (like the one with the i/c).

The law is simple: no modifications on cars bought in 99 or later.
No matter if it improves the car, makes it stop better, safer etc, they don't wanna hear about this.
No changes full stop!!