Stainless braided brake lines

MossHog

Wondering if anyone has tried upgrading factory brake lines to the stainless braided ones? If so, which brand? I put new pads on, turned rotors, and replaced fluid, and they are still soft, wondering if upgrading lines will help. Thoughts?

I am going to guess you have the 2.3l, 2024 or older. These have the old school vacuum brake booster. The newer version and the v6 got the hydro boost type.

Jakob1972

I am going to guess you have the 2.3l, 2024 or older. These have the old school vacuum brake booster. The newer version and the v6 got the hydro boost type.

Yeah there’s no fix for bad engineering.

• Vacuum vs. Electronic: Early Broncos (2021-2024 2.3L) used vacuum assist, which relied on engine vacuum, making it inconsistent with turbo engines. The newer system (2025+) uses an electric motor for precise boost, improving consistency and allowing for drive-mode-specific tuning, according to Bronco6G forum and Ford Authority.
• Why the Switch? The EBB provides better, more consistent braking, especially with direct-injection turbo engines that don't always produce strong vacuum, explains this Bronco6G forum post.
• Issues & Recalls: The 2025 models, with the new standard EBB, have faced recalls for module defects causing loss of brake assist, with Ford offering over-the-air (OTA) software fixes.
• User Experience: Some drivers find the electronic boost "touchy" or prefer the old vacuum feel, while others find the 2.3L's brakes initially mushy compared to larger engines, notes this Bronco6G forum thread.

I was thinking about retrofitting the electric assist but maybe I just need to add a vacuum pump to mine some how. But yeah they are spongy AF.

Jakob1972

I was thinking about retrofitting the electric assist but maybe I just need to add a vacuum pump to mine some how. But yeah they are spongy AF.

Jakob1972

I am going to guess you have the 2.3l, 2024 or older. These have the old school vacuum brake booster. The newer version and the v6 got the hydro boost type.

Yes mine is an early 22 Everglades and that makes sense as far as turbos not being able to supply vacuum for the brakes, in this case I’m not sure braided lines would be worth the expense

Jakob1972

I was thinking about retrofitting the electric assist but maybe I just need to add a vacuum pump to mine some how. But yeah they are spongy AF.

I had been reading about the poor braking system on the Rangers. The 2.3 Bronco’s system was a carryover. They had very poor reviews from users and “Car and Driver” alike. I was trying to convince people considering the 2.3 that there’s more than just an engine upgrade going to the 2.7. More power, torque, port injection, superior brakes and “One Pedal Drive”. It seems Ford has eliminated some of this with the 2025 2.3, but at the time the $1800 or so upgrade to the 2.7 was a screaming bargain. That is if you didn’t want to shift or wanted the Everglades edition. But now you can’t even get that wonderful 2.7 in a 2dr!
I guess timing is everything.

MossHog

Yes mine is an early 22 Everglades and that makes sense as far as turbos not being able to supply vacuum for the brakes, in this case I’m not sure braided lines would be worth the expense

Yup mines a late MY22 Everglades, had to wait for the Desert Sand. For the first 8 months or so they felt fine.my wife was daily driving it so when I drove it one day I was like whoa what happened to the brakes. that started my deep dive and found out about the rangers and the complaints about their brakes. I am getting more use to it. the only time it really scares me is when I am idling forward and need to stop I have to use way more brake than normal so I keep rolling a little. I just love this damn thing so much that I will live with it but if they ever offer an upgrade either through Ford or Aftermarket I am going to get one.

I look at it this way upgrading the brakes is one of the number one things early bronco owners do to improve driveability I will just have to do the same. I might just yank the Hydo Boost off my 04 F250 and stuff it in there.

extra toasty

I had been reading about the poor braking system on the Rangers. The 2.3 Bronco’s system was a carryover. They had very poor reviews from users and “Car and Driver” alike. I was trying to convince people considering the 2.3 that there’s more than just an engine upgrade going to the 2.7. More power, torque, port injection, superior brakes and “One Pedal Drive”. It seems Ford has eliminated some of this with the 2025 2.3, but at the time the $1800 or so upgrade to the 2.7 was a screaming bargain. That is if you didn’t want to shift or wanted the Everglades edition. But now you can’t even get that wonderful 2.7 in a 2dr!
I guess timing is everything.

I actually really like the straight four 2.3L it’s a really durable design, and I might take some flack for this but with a performance MBRP exhaust it sounds wayyy heartier and much more deep tone than the whine of 2.7. Don’t get me wrong I like the 2.7, had it in a 16 f-150, I’ve actually had almost all the eco boost at one point or another, the dealership really likes me lol. Horsepower sells, so they make what sells, but we probably don’t need trucks that put more out than tractor trailers and SUV that can run 5 sec 0 to 60

Waste of money. Brake lines have braiding on the inside; you just can't see it.

MossHog

I actually really like the straight four 2.3L it’s a really durable design, and I might take some flack for this but with a performance MBRP exhaust it sounds wayyy heartier and much more deep tone than the whine of 2.7. Don’t get me wrong I like the 2.7, had it in a 16 f-150, I’ve actually had almost all the eco boost at one point or another, the dealership really likes me lol. Horsepower sells, so they make what sells, but we probably don’t need trucks that put more out than tractor trailers and SUV that can run 5 sec 0 to 60

I agree. I am really happy with the 2.3l plenty of pep and has done anything I have asked of it. But I also drive a 1/2 ton Silverado with a 4 cylinder and that motor amazes me it pulls our 26’ travel trailer better than my Powerstroke F250 could.

The older 2.3s do have a vacuum pump that's run off the back of one of the cams.

JJACK502

The older 2.3s do have a vacuum pump that's run off the back of one of the cams.

I was thinking a stand alone pump like on my F250. Powerstrokes don't make enough vacuum to run accessories like locking in the hubs in 4H or 4L so the have an electric pump mounted on the passenger fender.