[Warpshift]

I used to have a Civic that I was able to put steel-braided brake lines on and hot damn did you feel the difference. Plus I wanted more protection from all the crap you find flying around in the desert.

I now have a 2019 Forester and have been searching for a brake line upgrade. Anyone know if the brake lines from a 2018 Forester would fit on a 2019 or do I have to look to the pain of making my own?

 

[aggie113]

Only changes the feel, nothing else. Also, nearly no steel braided lines are DOT approved.

 

[bman400]

Nearly 1000lb difference between your Civic and Forester. Brake lines will not make any noticeable difference. Focus on better pads for more bite.

 

[donkpow]

This is the parts search on the Subaru parts site for a 2019 Base model front brake hose. You can see, by expanding the dropdown menu, the models that Subaru says the hose will work on.

 

[TTiimm]

Subaru has different part numbers for SJ vs SK brake hoses but I suspect they are the same actual part. One would have to hold them side by side to know for sure.

Goodridge doesn't list anything for a 2019.

I have stainless lines on my 2015 Forester XT. It made a significant difference in brake pedal firmness and modulation.

Goodridge G-Stop lines are DOT approved. The set for my "15 XT cost $123.58 at emnotek.com

 

[donkpow]

Just don't buy the Amazon look alike hoses. The kits for proper hose replacement cost on the other side of $100 USD. Like has been said, don't buy them unless they are DOT approved.

 

[Warpshift]

Goodridge and their G-stop lineup are DOT approved.

 

[Warpshift]

Nearly 1000lb difference between your Civic and Forester. Brake lines will not make any noticeable difference. Focus on better pads for more bite.

I wouldn't get them for a better brake experience. I want them to add more armor for otherwise basic rubber shielded fluid tubes.

 

[Warpshift]

Only changes the feel, nothing else. Also, nearly no steel braided lines are DOT approved.

Performance steel braided lines are an upgrade for most performance cars. They can handle higher pressure and don't expand and contract like a typical rubber line.
Braided Brake Line FAQ

 

[aggie113]

Performance steel braided lines are an upgrade for most performance cars. They can handle higher pressure and don't expand and contract like a typical rubber line.
Braided Brake Line FAQ

Steel braided lines do not offer a performance upgrade for your braking. Besides having a stiffer "feeling" brake pedal they would only offer protection from track debris slicing into the rubber hose, which is not something you would need with street driving.

 

[TTiimm]

I actually have braided steel brake lines in a '15 XT.

They made a noticeable difference in pedal firmness and modulation.

Those who say braided steel hoses make no difference have clearly never used braided steel hoses.

The purpose of braided steel brake lines is not protection from debris. Their purpose is better modulation.

 

[bman400]

I know they make a difference, but my point is they're less dramatic vs better pads. And is the OP interested in track days? I have a 2010 BMW R1200RT with braided lines. With 3 rotors it slows down well. The biggest difference was my choice to not use Double H sintered rear pads, switched to organic pads. This resulted in needing to press the rear brakes much harder to have the same stopping power. It gives me far better rear brake control when doing slow rides, ie better modulation. See all done without changing to rubber lines for the rear

 

[adc]

Waste of money. You are looking for a solution in search of a problem

 

[TTiimm]

Waste of money. You are looking for a solution in search of a problem

How many cars have you had with braided steel brake hoses?

 

[donkpow]

You are more likely to use your brakes if they look good.

 

[TTiimm]

I know they make a difference, but my point is they're less dramatic vs better pads. And is the OP interested in track days? I have a 2010 BMW R1200RT with braided lines. With 3 rotors it slows down well. The biggest difference was my choice to not use Double H sintered rear pads, switched to organic pads. This resulted in needing to press the rear brakes much harder to have the same stopping power. It gives me far better rear brake control when doing slow rides, ie better modulation. See all done without changing to rubber lines for the rear

You are obviously more sophisticated than most drivers who do drilled rotors and stainless lines because everyone else is so they must be better and the look siiiiick, duuude!!!

I'm sure that you'll understand that better pads and braided hoses are not mutually exclusive. The OP said nothing about pads.

Braided steel lines address a specific design problem in our Foresters - a spongy pedal. OE Forester brakes are sub-standard IMO. The master cylinder brace and steel lines are requisite upgrades and firm up the pedal significantly. They make a big difference in our cars.

 

[bman400]

@TTiimm I agree with you getting braided hoses will help. And not mutually exclusive. Just pointing out that Pads offer the most dramatic change/improvement vs braided hoses. The reason I went with organic rear pads on the BMW was the Double H sintered pads were eating rear rotors. Let's just say without trying very hard on average sitting riding, I can easily bring the BMW to a stop with just the rear brakes without trying very hard.

 

[adc]

How many cars have you had with braided steel brake hoses?

None bc they are not needed and have not been needed on any of the last subaru's I have had. And yes I have an '18 XT. To each his own

 

[TTiimm]

As is typical with the internet, this thread is full of people with zero experience telling others with experience all about it.

Yall can believe what you want. I've actually used braided lines on three cars. My comments are above.

@TTiimm I agree with you getting braided hoses will help. And not mutually exclusive. Just pointing out that Pads offer the most dramatic change/improvement vs braided hoses. The reason I went with organic rear pads on the BMW was the Double H sintered pads were eating rear rotors. Let's just say without trying very hard on average sitting riding, I can easily bring the BMW to a stop with just the rear brakes without trying very hard.

We understand that going from sintered to organic rear pads on your BMW made a more dramatic improvement than did braided lines.

That's fine, but the topic isn't sintered vs organic brake pads or BMW's.

The topic is braided steel brake lines on Foresters.

On topic: I have braided lines on a Forester. I have actually done it. It makes a noticeable difference. Whether the difference is worth $115 for parts and time to install is up to each person. For a performance minded driver who is doing a brake job with other premium parts, I recommend it. That's all.

 

[donkpow]

The topic is braided steel brake lines on Foresters.

To be frank, it's about lines for a 2019 Forester. At least that's the question. The OP doesn't need convinced. Have you got a definitive answer for the OP in his question?