brake hoses

[frog]

I agree, comparing old OEM to new braided is totally unfair, In the end ,as with most things, its comes down to cost / budget.
One thing i was told was 'ALWAYS BUY THE BEST YOU CAN AFFORD' that way there can no what if's or buts.

[Agreeable Slick]

As for reassurance, are there any recorded examples of accidents or near misses that would have been avoided with braided hoses?  If not, I'm as reassured as I can be by VW OEM quality.

Like all the cars in motorsport that use them to brake, harder, faster, and with less effort... 

Admittedly not a frequent occurance on public roads, but a reassurance non the less. Rubber brake hoses flex overtime and bubble, thats a fact, hence them needing replacing. Braided hoses cut down on this i am not saying stop it because i am sure that they can expand slightly, but they perform the function much better than rubber hoses ever will.

[bowker]

thanks guys will go for braided ones.

[AudiA8Quattro]

I have to agree with antgel totally on this one.
New cars do not have a spongey brake pedal, are they fitted with braided hoses? no.
Infact new cars have bloody good brakes!
Its a myth that alot of you have fallen for, they make very little difference if any at all over standard new OEM hoses.
They only time the difference will be noticeable is if the car is used for racing.
Save your money.

[Agreeable Slick]

with loads of gadgetry, ABS, EBC, etc etc etc.

These are new cars, not cars that we own, and every little helps.

[AudiA8Quattro]

with loads of gadgetry, ABS, EBC, etc etc etc.

These are new cars, not cars that we own, and every little helps.

ABS has been around for more than ten years!
The reason newer cars brake better is usually because of the huge front discs now fitted to most modern cars.
What i was trying to point out is 'pedal feel' on newer cars is good, nothing to do with the systems you mentioned, the pedal feel is good because the rubber hoses are new and the brake fluid is also in good condition and free of air bubbles.
What i always tell people that complain about poor brake pedal 'feel' or poor performance, is to service the existing system on the car.
Not being funny, but you would be very surprised with the results!!