Captain Avgas
Well Known Member
A good number of builders who have been unhappy with the leaky plastic tubing and fittings that Vans supplies for the brake lines have opted to use Aeroquip 601/AE701 stainless steel braided hose instead.
However it is my understanding that although cheaper and lighter, 601/AE701 is not recommended for hydraulic lines due to its low pressure capacity (1000 psi). The two hoses that Vans supplies that travel from the pilot pedals master cylinders to the firewall are both Aeroquip 303 (3000 psi). Given that 303 is more expensive (and heavier) than 601/AE701, and given that Vans are penny pinchers, it doesn't seem to me that they would opt for 303 when 601/AW701 would do the trick.
So why are builders using 601/AE701. Is there engineering evidence to suggest that 1000 psi is a satisfactory hose pressure for this application...or is this just another case in the RV world of the blind leading the blind.
However it is my understanding that although cheaper and lighter, 601/AE701 is not recommended for hydraulic lines due to its low pressure capacity (1000 psi). The two hoses that Vans supplies that travel from the pilot pedals master cylinders to the firewall are both Aeroquip 303 (3000 psi). Given that 303 is more expensive (and heavier) than 601/AE701, and given that Vans are penny pinchers, it doesn't seem to me that they would opt for 303 when 601/AW701 would do the trick.
So why are builders using 601/AE701. Is there engineering evidence to suggest that 1000 psi is a satisfactory hose pressure for this application...or is this just another case in the RV world of the blind leading the blind.