Ever wondered how to get the perfect fit and performance from your braking system? Custom HEL brake lines are a popular upgrade among riders and drivers who want precision and style while improving safety.
Understanding how HEL brake lines can be customized is essential—whether you’re tackling performance mods or replacing old lines. In this article, you’ll find everything you need: step-by-step guidance, helpful tips, and insights to help you achieve a brake setup tailored just for your machine.
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Creating Custom HEL Brake Lines: A Complete Guide
When it comes to upgrading or maintaining your vehicle’s braking system, custom HEL Performance brake lines are a popular choice for enthusiasts and professionals alike. Whether you’re looking for improved performance, unique colors, or specialized fittings for a unique project, understanding how HEL brake lines are customized can help you make the best decision for your needs.
Let’s break down what it means to have custom HEL brake lines made, the benefits and challenges, and how you can approach ordering your own set with confidence.
What Are Custom HEL Brake Lines?
Custom HEL brake lines are stainless steel braided hoses manufactured to your specifications for length, fitting type, and color. Unlike standard or “off-the-shelf” kits, custom lines are tailored to fit unique vehicles, modified setups, or specific cosmetic preferences. HEL Performance is a trusted brand known for quality engineering, durability, and attention to safety.
Why Choose Custom Brake Lines?
Custom brake lines provide solutions beyond standard kits. Here’s why you might need them:
- Unique Vehicle Setups: Modified suspensions, different calipers, or non-standard brake components.
- Non-Standard Lengths: Lifting, lowering, or custom routing that alters where brake lines need to reach.
- Special Fittings or Adaptors: Swapping calipers or master cylinders from different manufacturers.
- Aesthetics: Wanting lines in a specific color to match your build.
- Performance Upgrades: Enhanced pedal feel and responsiveness thanks to the characteristics of stainless steel braided lines.
Step-By-Step: How HEL Brake Lines Are Customized
Ordering HEL custom brake lines is a straightforward process, but attention to detail is critical. Here’s how it works:
1. Identify Your Needs
Begin by assessing your vehicle or project. Ask yourself:
- What changes have you made to the braking system?
- Do you need a specific length not found in standard kits?
- Are your calipers or master cylinders factory or aftermarket?
- Is there a specific color or finish you want?
2. Measure Precisely
Accurate measurements are vital for safety and fitment. To do this:
- Route a length of flexible tubing or string from your master cylinder to the caliper, following the path your brake line will take.
- Measure with the suspension at full droop (wheels hanging) and at full compression, ensuring the line won’t be too tight or susceptible to kinks.
- Record the measurement in inches or millimeters.
- Double-check both sides; sometimes the left and right can differ slightly.
3. Select Fitting Types and Angles
The fittings are where the brake lines connect to your existing hardware.
- Identify the thread size and type (metric or imperial, banjo, straight, 45-degree, 90-degree, etc.).
- Consider the orientation you need for a clean, tangle-free fit.
- If unsure, remove your existing lines and inspect the fittings.
4. Choose Color and Finish
HEL offers a range of color choices for the outer hose jacket.
- Pick a color that matches your vehicle, blends with other parts, or makes future inspections easy (e.g., a lighter color for spotting leaks).
- Stainless steel fittings are standard, but some suppliers offer colored or anodized fittings for extra customization.
5. Submit Your Custom Order
Once you have your specifications:
- Find an authorized HEL retailer or distributor.
- Provide your measurements, fitting details, and color choices.
- Many online retailers have an order form or configurator.
- Request confirmation of your details before finalizing the order.
6. Installation
When your brake lines arrive:
- Inspect them to ensure they match your order.
- Install following HEL’s guidelines or have a professional mechanic do the work.
- Always use new copper washers or seals.
- Bleed the braking system thoroughly to remove air.
- Double-check for leaks or interference as you cycle the suspension.
Benefits of HEL Custom Brake Lines
Choosing a custom solution has tangible advantages:
- Perfect Fit: Ensures a clean installation, no excess slack, or risk of lines being stretched.
- Improved Performance: Stainless steel braiding keeps lines from expanding under pressure, resulting in a firmer, more consistent brake pedal feel.
- Long-Lasting Durability: HEL hoses resist corrosion, abrasion, and the harsh environments found under vehicles.
- Enhanced Safety: Reduced chance of brake line failure compared to old, cracked rubber lines.
- Aesthetic Customization: Select from a wide spectrum of hose and fitting colors.
Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them
While the process is simple, here are some common pitfalls and how to avoid them:
- Incorrect Measurement: Too long or too short can cause installation or safety issues. Triple-check your method before submitting.
- Wrong Fittings: Thread sizes and pitches vary, especially on imported or heavily customized cars. Consult guides or manufacturers if unsure.
- Brake Fluid Compatibility: Some colored hoses may react with certain fluids over time. Stick with known brands and consult manufacturer advice.
- Installation Errors: Cross-threading, overtightening, or under-tightening connections can cause leaks. Use a torque wrench if possible.
- Air in System: Always bleed brakes after installation. Spongy or inconsistent pedal feel is a sign of air in the lines.
Practical Tips for Ordering and Installing HEL Custom Brake Lines
- Take Photos: Snap pictures of your stock setup and new components. It helps you keep track of routing or share info with suppliers.
- Label Everything: If removing multiple lines at once, tag each one with its location.
- Order Spare Washers: Copper washers are often single-use; have extras on hand.
- Check Local Regulations: Some areas require brake components to meet specific standards.
- Consult with Suppliers: Many HEL dealers can double-check your measurements and specs before production.
Cost-Saving & Shipping Advice
Custom brake lines do cost more than standard kits, but there are ways to manage expenses:
- Order All Lines at Once: Combining line orders can reduce shipping costs.
- Group Buy Discounts: Some retailers offer discounts for clubs or group purchases.
- Local Sourcing: If possible, work with nearby dealers to save on international shipping and speed up delivery.
- Check Return Policies: Custom lines are usually non-returnable, so it’s worth double-checking your specs.
Concluding Summary
Custom HEL brake lines provide the flexibility and performance demanded by modern motorists and enthusiasts. By tailoring brake lines to your needs, you improve safety, aesthetics, and braking response. The key to a successful installation is careful measurement, the right fitting choice, and attention during installation. Take your time, double-check all specs, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a truly custom solution.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What makes HEL brake lines better than standard rubber hoses?
HEL performance brake lines are made from stainless steel braided material, which prevents expansion under pressure. This gives you a firmer, more responsive brake pedal and improved safety compared to standard rubber hoses, which can swell and age more quickly.
How do I make sure I order the correct length?
Measure along the precise route your new brake line will take, accounting for full suspension travel and steering angle. Use a flexible material like string, mark the length carefully, and double-check before placing an order.
Are there different fitting types, and how do I choose the right one?
Yes, fittings come in various thread types, angles, and materials. Match the fitting to your caliper or master cylinder, and consider the angle for the cleanest routing. If in doubt, remove the old line to compare.
Can I install custom HEL brake lines myself?
If you’re comfortable working on brakes and have the right tools, you can install them at home. However, brakes are critical for safety, so if you’re unsure at any step (like bleeding the system or checking for proper fit), it’s best to consult a professional mechanic.
How long does it take to receive custom HEL brake lines after ordering?
Production time can range from a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the supplier’s workload and your location. Shipping times also vary. Domestic orders usually arrive faster than international ones. Always confirm estimated delivery before finalizing your order.
Custom HEL brake lines are an investment in your vehicle’s performance, safety, and style. By understanding the process and taking care at every step, you’ll enjoy a braking upgrade tailored exactly to your needs.