2002 Tahoe Z71 5.3l - stainless steel brake hoses

[SUP SR]

I just installed all new Z36 Power Stop brake rotors, calipers & pads on my 2002 Tahoe Z71, 4WD. I also tried to install Stop Tech stainless steel brake hoses on the front (Part #: 950.66001). My mechanic could not get them to connect (the rear ones did - Part #: 950.66500). I just called the Stop Tech technical support line and was told because I have a locking differential and not a limited slip differential, the 950.66001 will not fit and Stop Tech does not sell one that does.

Has anyone else had this problem? Can anyone suggest a good high quality brake hose alternative to Stop Tech and where to buy them?

 

[PNWYukon]

You could try these guys:

Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit for 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe

Brake pedal feeling a bit soft or spongy? Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines provide a quicker, firmer abd more consistent pedal feel even as brake temperatures rise during towing, racing or performance driver. Consistent brake pressure, controlled by the brake pedal, means a higher precession...

www.buybrakes.com

 

[SUP SR]

You could try these guys:

Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Line Kit for 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe

Brake pedal feeling a bit soft or spongy? Stoptech Stainless Steel Brake Lines provide a quicker, firmer abd more consistent pedal feel even as brake temperatures rise during towing, racing or performance driver. Consistent brake pressure, controlled by the brake pedal, means a higher precession...

www.buybrakes.com

I did call buybrakes.com. They could not help, but did refer me to Crown Performance who I am working with now.

 

[M123]

Maybe a stupid question but why steel hoses?

 

[SUP SR]

I should have said stainless steel reinforced hoses. I understand the following is why to use SS reinforced hoses:

Why braided brake lines?

The intent of braided stainless steel brake lines is to improve brake system effectiveness and longevity as compared to an equivalent system fitted with flexible rubber hoses through near-elimination of hose expansion. ... The stainless wire braid more effectively resists expansion due to pressure inside the hose core.

 

[M123]

I see your point but I can't see the improvement you are looking for.
In my opinion so are the stock break's on the Tahoe the best I have owned on any vehicle originally.

Everything on my Truck are brand new regarding break's, did buy the 7200 lb hose's and have no play, no softness.
What I can see the weakest link in the system are the lines, the design to have them laying on top the frame are just asking for rust.

Anyway hope you will find some solution and find something the fit your presence.

Cheers.

 

[corvette744]

Upgrading your hoses to a stainless brake hose on my tahoe made an absolute huge difference in brake pedal feel.Stock hoses and stock tahoe brakes are junk and you wont no the difference unless you try them.Good ridge is the one i and many on here used.All rubber hoses flex you just dont no it.If you have ever towed anything with a tahoe or suburban then you would no how bad the stock brakes are their horrible.First thing i would change on the design of this vehicle for safety.

 

[treehan77]

I’d still be willing to bet 75% of the difference is because they’re new- brand new hoses would feel better too. They aren’t rubber inside.

 

[SUP SR]

I am still trying to find someone who tried to install front Stoptech hoses and was told they won't fit because they have a locking differential. Really would like to know the brand and part number of stainless steel reinforced hoses that fit a 2002 Tahoe 4WD with a locking differential.

 

[Sam Harris]

Upgrading your hoses to a stainless brake hose on my tahoe made an absolute huge difference in brake pedal feel.Stock hoses and stock tahoe brakes are junk and you wont no the difference unless you try them.Good ridge is the one i and many on here used.All rubber hoses flex you just dont no it.If you have ever towed anything with a tahoe or suburban then you would no how bad the stock brakes are their horrible.First thing i would change on the design of this vehicle for safety.

(2003 Yukon): Agree. After installing stainless braided hoses all around, all 5 rubber hoses replaced, there’s a definite improvement in the solid feel of the pedal. The brakes are 100% solid, no soft / spongy braking at any time, especially under harder braking, they just grab harder. Granted, I also replaced my front calipers with NNBS, as well as Powerstop pads and rotors all around (and Powerstop powder coated rear calipers). I understand the entire system, minus master cylinder has been upgraded at this point, so it’s difficult to point at the stainless lines as particularly beneficial, but I can also argue the pedal feel and solid stops are indicative of the stainless lines. This is a commonly understood benefit of stainless lines, with no expansion of the tubing, as with (even new) rubber lines.

 

[corvette744]

I did my brakes in stages to know what worked. I replaced front and rear rotors and pads with power stop z36 extreme.Broke them in drove it 1000 miles-not happy with it.Installed the good ridge brakelines front and back.Huge difference in power of pedal immediate notice.Brakes still not stopping as fast as i want especially with only towing a 3000lb boat.Bought new baer sport rotors and pads 07-14 tahoe and power stop red front calipers for a 08 tahoe installed and thats were im at today.Happy with the brakes.So money well spent on brake pedal feel for the lines.Stopping distance drastically reduced after the 07-14 upgrade im good now and dont have to worry about someone stopping to quick in front of me towing my boat.

 

[Sam Harris]

I did my brakes in stages to know what worked. I replaced front and rear rotors and pads with power stop z36 extreme.Broke them in drove it 1000 miles-not happy with it.Installed the good ridge brakelines front and back.Huge difference in power of pedal immediate notice.Brakes still not stopping as fast as i want especially with only towing a 3000lb boat.Bought new power stop front rotors and calipers for a 08 tahoe installed and thats were im at today.Happy with the brakes.So money well spent on brake pedal feel for the lines.Stopping distance drastically reduced after the 07-14 upgrade im good now and dont have to worry about someone stopping to quick in front of my towing my boat.

Yup. Sounds like we have the same setup. Only complaint I had, is the Goodridge kit did not properly fit the 5th (center-rear) hose, which is apparently a known issue. I had a local shop make me a replacement, for about $40, and it works perfectly.

ETA: overall, after doing these upgrades, the braking system feels like a completely different vehicle. When I bought her, I felt like the brakes were just barely adequate. Now, I have absolute confidence, and she stops on a dime, if needed.

 

[corvette744]

Yup. Sounds like we have the same setup. Only complaint I had, is the Goodridge kit did not properly fit the 5th (center-rear) hose, which is apparently a known issue. I had a local shop make me a replacement, for about $40, and it works perfectly.

ETA: overall, after doing these upgrades, the braking system feels like a completely different vehicle. When I bought her, I felt like the brakes were just barely adequate. Now, I have absolute confidence, and she stops on a dime, if needed.

Yes Sam i think i was the guinea pig for that fiascal when i did it in 2017.They had no part back then so i had to make it work and cut the line no biggie-but when your on your last line and find that out your not happy.

 

[corvette744]

I’d still be willing to bet 75% of the difference is because they’re new- brand new hoses would feel better too. They aren’t rubber inside.

What do you mean stock rubber brake hoses are all rubber inside and out.Their is a slight possibility that inside could have a fabric netting thats it.After you install stainless brake lines you will never go back to rubber ever again.New or old they still flex i agree old ones swell up and are way worse but cannot compare a new one with a stainless one.Your brake pedal will feel way firmer and more responsive.

 

[SUP SR]

Just curious, what brand and part number did you install for the stainless braided hoses?
For some reason, the StopTech hose for my 2002 Tahoe, Z71, 4WD only works if the truck came with limited slip differential. Mine has a locking differential and the hose would not screw on to the solid line connector. StopTech Technical Support confirmed this.
I am now trying to figure out what vendor sells the correct stainless hose for my truck.

 

[corvette744]

Depends if you have stabilitrac or not 2 different kits avail.5 line and 6 line. https://us.goodridge.com/files/documents/USA_Car_App_Guide_2018.pdf Page 10 fits all tahoes 00-06

 

[treehan77]

“Rubber hoses”: inner liner is a corrosion and brake-fluid resistant compound designed (normally PTFE / Teflon® based) purely to keep the brake fluid in. Around the outside of that, there’s a steel webbed mesh. This is what gives the brake hose its strength and stops it from bulging and deforming. And around the outside of that there’s a slightly thicker rubber coating, which is there to weatherproof the steel mesh.

Regardless, yes, 10-15 year old “rubber hoses” are going to have more flex/expand ability than a brand new hose. I can tell virtually no difference between the new steel braided lines I installed and the new rubber lines I replaced them with after 3 days later. Point is, I’m saying people replace old worn out hoses with new stainless ones and think “wow, these are so much better than rubber.” Yes, better than 15 year old rubber. How much much better is SS tan a new hose? Not near as much. Yes SS are slightly better.

 

[corvette744]

Everyone has their own opinion-i have put them on 5 different vehicles and motorcycles.All made a giant difference. The silverado i put them on had all the hoses replaced just before i bought it.2 weeks later i installed stainless and anyone could feel what a difference they made.Rubber brake hoses are made from edpm rubber applied in layers.Never seen a stock brake hose with a teflon liner and i have cut open alot of them-including the ones off my tahoe.Maybe its just me but i would never put stock rubber brake hoses on a vehicle that weighs over 5000lbs and even more when im towing a 3000lb boat not a chance.

 

[treehan77]

It’s the steel jacket that largely makes rubber brake hoses not flex very much.

 

[DrummerDude70]

You'll love the difference. I can't recall the brand I used, but everything was R&R. If I can find the box I used, I'll be sure to post what I used.