Wondering if anybody has replaced the stock clutch line with a SS braided line.

Any details on installation would be helpful, too. I'm thinking the system would have to be bled after this and any details on that process as well.

Thanks.[/b]

+1

Great question!!

 

this is a good question
I've had one of these sitting in my tool box for over 6 months...just never got around to installing it.

 

While I have not yet install one on my Speed (it's on the list), I have done several on Proteges and all my bikes that have hydraulic clutches. It's pretty basic, I would recommend sucking as much of the brake fluid as you can out of the reservoir (Mazda uses that as a common reservoir for both brakes and clutch) to minimize what will leak out. Remember brake fluid eats through paint etc so put something underneath the line to catch any leakage. I also highly recommend using a set of flare nut wrenches to remove/install the line as otherwise you run the risk of rounding things off. Bleeding is done the same way as the brakes, although initially you might have to pull the pedal up after each depression. Sometimes it helps to first suck some air out with a Mityvac pump or something similar.

 

Whats the benefit of the braided line, better clutch feel?

 

I have it and it will go on with the new motor hopefully soon.
Mike

 

If the standard brake lines are old,worn or understrength for the hydraulic system, when you press the brake or clutch pedal force that should only go to operating the hydraulic device is reduced because some is spent making the line expand. This is generally not an issue on street cars. If your lines are old good, high-quality hydraulic line should be more than enough.

If you upgrade the brakes and need clamping power that is at the edge of what the stock hydraulic system can provide, they can help bridge the gap while you solve the real problem and increase hydraulic pressure.

If you upgrade the hydraulics beyond what the stock hose can handle you can just upgrade to better hydraulic line; SS is not needed.

It does look cool, which is probably why most folks with street cars do it. Nothing wrong with that, though it does have a strong placebo effect given the prices paid through auto after-market stores (hint, look in your phone book under hydraulics and you'll probably find a hose maker who can save you bucks).

Keep in mind that you will want to be careful when routing the SS hose and keep it away from all of the usually softer hoses and lines it tends to run near. It's strong and hard stuff and will slowly tear up softer lines.

As with replacing any hydraulic line it's a good idea to do a bleed. It's only a little time with a Mity-vac and it never hurts to get fresh hydraulic fluid into the car.

-Rich

Whats the benefit of the braided line, better clutch feel?[/b]

 

I disagree that there is a placebo effect. Granted many people don't brake THAT hard on the street, but I occasionally do. For anyone who does push the limits of their car, whether routinely or once in a blue moon, having more pressure available at the calipers doesn't hurt. As an example, after I put stainless lines on my gf's Protege, she used the brakes normally as she was used to on a wet surface and locked up the wheels (initially she told me the brakes didn't work, after questioning her I realized what had happened). That tells me that there was more pressure going to the calipers. Might make the difference between getting stopped in time or not.

I can't give you objective specifics (such as increase in braking pressure etc), but subjectively every vehicle I have put stainless lines on (both motorcycles and cars) have benefitted. If it works for brake lines, it will work the same for clutch lines.

 

BUMP!

I called Techna Fit (or a vendor did) and they told us that their line only fits on the 07 MS6. Can any one please confirm this. I have an 06 and would like to replace my line VERY soon.

Thanks for any info.

 

I don't know if this happens on the speed6 but....

After installing the SS clutch line on my 6s..it made the wildest sound at high rpm's when I'd press in the clutch. Basically the rubber in the clutch line isolated some vibrations that became apparent when the SS line was installed.

I noticed very little change in clutch feel, but the noise was awesome. My friends would drive my car just to hear the funny noise.

 

QUOTE (MS6-582 @ Apr 3 2009, 01:28 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=1542423

BUMP!

I called Techna Fit (or a vendor did) and they told us that their line only fits on the 07 MS6. Can any one please confirm this. I have an 06 and would like to replace my line VERY soon.

Thanks for any info.[/b]

Subscribed

 

I have the TechnaFits on mine. There is no difference in the clutch line between the '06-'07 models.

As for noise, I have not had any with mine. I wonder if yours was pressing on something, or the line was kinked somehow. Or it could be that you had a problem with your throwout bearing, and the extra pressure with the stainless line made it come to light.

 

QUOTE (chiefmg @ Apr 3 2009, 04:04 PM) index.php?act=findpost&pid=1542494

I have the TechnaFits on mine. There is no difference in the clutch line between the '06-'07 models.

As for noise, I have not had any with mine. I wonder if yours was pressing on something, or the line was kinked somehow. Or it could be that you had a problem with your throwout bearing, and the extra pressure with the stainless line made it come to light.[/b]

+1
no extra noise.. no "better feel."

 

It's possible, but I never had any issues with the 6s's clutch, engagement, or feel, in the 45k or so miles I put on the car (before trading in for speed3). I put a lot of track miles on her, and she performed like a champ!

It was just odd, SS line on, funny noise at 6500 rpm if you pressed in the clutch, rubber line on, no noise. There really wasn't anything to kink or pinch...the line was quite short and didn't have any real bends.


I think I used to have a sound clip somewhere, lemme see if I can find it!

Both dave's and myself had it after the clutch line install. It's just something on the 6s's I guess, which is why I mentioned it here...i really liked the nice personally.

http://forum.mazda6club.com/index.php?show...ch++line++noise

Hard to make out.
http://www.3dluvr.com/crossbow/incoming/buzz.wav

Listen when I press in clutch to shift around 8-10 seconds, you can hear a secondary sound as the clutch spins down.

Compared to....
http://www.3dluvr.com/crossbow/incoming/accel.wav

You can hear the clutch/shift sound is quieter.