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The Big Bad Brake Thread

I was reading up about replacing the ss "5th line" that ZZP offers and, correct me if I am wrong, but it appears as though this is for the 03 and older model GP's? I was just lurking under the hood of my 05 and had the front wheels turned 1 way, then the other and I am not seeing 1. I hope there isn't one that needs replacing as I am not looking forward to removing the line from the master cylinder to replace it.
 


I was reading up about replacing the ss "5th line" that ZZP offers and, correct me if I am wrong, but it appears as though this is for the 03 and older model GP's? I was just lurking under the hood of my 05 and had the front wheels turned 1 way, then the other and I am not seeing 1. I hope there isn't one that needs replacing as I am not looking forward to removing the line from the master cylinder to replace it.

You should check this out then:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/5th-brake-hose-hard-line-solution-6-a-6693.html

But I would replace the Rubber lines with SS Lines to start, I would only do this if I absolutely had to, the SS Lines add plenty to the pedal feel.
 
You should check this out then:

http://www.grandprixforums.net/5th-brake-hose-hard-line-solution-6-a-6693.html

But I would replace the Rubber lines with SS Lines to start, I would only do this if I absolutely had to, the SS Lines add plenty to the pedal feel.

I saw that thread and when I started looking at my wife's 2005, all I saw were hard lines coming from, what I am guessing is, the ABS module? I saw some other braided lines around the master cylinder too but no rubber hoses other than the ones to each caliper. I went back and looked at that thread and saw that GP was the previous generation which makes me think, the 04+ models do not have this "5th" rubber line.

I do plan to replace all 4 caliper lines using the ZZP kit since I will be flushing/bleeding out all old fluid and replacing it with new fluid. Might as well so I don't need to bleed the system again later.....

On edit: I picked up my ss brake lines from ZZP today and asked them about the "5th line". They said around mid 05 they went away from that 5th line so some 05's have it and some do not.
 
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Hey guys first post on here!

First I'd like to tank everyone for the helpful information! I've been able to piece together everything I think correctly..

POWER STOPK1547Rotor$ 126.99$ 0.001$ 126.99
RAYBESTOSFRC10965Caliper$ 49.99$ 10.001$ 59.99
RAYBESTOSFRC10966Caliper$ 49.99$ 10.001$ 59.99
POWER STOPK1558Rotor$ 118.89$ 0.001$ 118.89

[TD="colspan: 7"] 1999 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.8L V6 Supercharged OHV [/TD]

This is everything I ordered from Rock Auto.. The '99 Camaro SS Front Calipers & Powerstop Rotors and Brakes.. Along with '99 Grand Prix Rear Powerstop Rotors and Brakes..

I also order Bushings from McMaster-Carr Part # 6679K16 (4)..

I'm getting ready to order the Banjo Bolts (2) from Earl's Performance Brake Adapters 977517ERL - SummitRacing.com..

& Also the SS Lines Russell Street Legal Brake Line Kits 692220 - SummitRacing.com.. Problem is it shows these lines fit the '99 GP GTP.. BUT do not show them fitting the Calipers off a '99 Camaro SS!?

Is anyone out there able to help me with this? Do I have to get universal lines? Thanks in advance for ANY ONES help with this!
 
You need to get the SS Lines for the calipers you are using. The banjo bolts for a GTP vs the ones for Camaros is different sized and thus not compatible. If you use those lines you would have to bore out the hole, IIRC.
 
The Stock lines work with these calipers, so the SS lines will work with the calipers as well. The banjo bolt for the F-body is smaller in diameter....so use fresh crush copper washer.

Source: I did it this way with my F-body setup.
 


Brakeline part numbers come back for a 97-03 Grand prix so I would think so.

I can't view the SummitRacing website for some reason, but if the applications for the banjo bolt comfirm for 99-02 Camaro then you are fine.

Make sure you have the caliper bracket bolts to attach them to the hub
 
Just an update on what I had put on my wife's 2005 GP GT (I had my mechanic install these parts as I have been way too busy with work):

First off, I referenced all these parts to a 2000 Chevy Camaro (V6 or V8 - they are the same fronts):

Caliper from Napa ($54 each plus $27.50 core charge each): NAPA AUTO PARTS
Premium rotor from Napa ($69 each - I actually sourced some Wagner premiums locally for $52 each): NAPA AUTO PARTS
Stainless steel brake lines from ZZP (longer fronts and std length rears - $115): ZZPerformance - Stainless Brake Lines #ZZ-BRKLN-38
F-Body caliper install kit from ZZP ($50 - has 12mm bolts, spacers, 2 banjo bolts, & crush washers - reuse the rear banjo bolts): ZZPerformance - FBody Caliper Install Kit #ZZ-FBCALKIT
Hawk Performance Ceramic front pads HB249Z.575 ($85 on Ebay): Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads for Chevy Pontiac Camaro Firebird HB249Z 575 | eBay

My mechanic discovered the rear pads were actually rusted in the caliper brackets and the driver side pads were 1/2 gone and the rotor was toast so we went with stock OEM rear rotors and some quality rear ceramic pads. Had him replace all the old fluid with new. Probably could have gone with cheaper components but after the problems I have had with the original brakes, I pulled out the stops (with the exception of going the CTS-V way or slotted/drilled out rotors).

I've gotta say that the brakes now are like "right now" as you touch the pedal. Has got me thinking about looking into upgrading the whimpy brakes on my '03 Vibe now since it is like night and day difference between these 2 vehicles from a stopping perspective....

Thanks to all for their input!!!

Mike
 


SS Lines I think are really what gives that firm pedal feel, the brake force is the caliper.

I've had SS Lines installed on every car since my Maxima.
 


long enough isn't the issue, all you have to do (if your staying with your stock lines) is just simply bend that bracket out from the car just enough so you'll have enough clearance, then you haz no worries.



and also, thank you sir.


because i wasn't like, totally 100% sure or not if they did.
 
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