Never Use Aluminium Fittings On Braking Systems
Some people sell aluminium brake line fittings for brake hoses. Not only is this a dangerous practice but you will also notice that they are normally sold with a 'for race use only' label as a possible legal get out clause for the company involved.
HEL Performance have never and will never use aluminium fittings on brake lines - Why? When two metals with different electromotive force are placed together and are subjected to an electrically conductive fluid, 'electrolytic' corrosion takes place. If you are looking for a light weight, corrosion resistant high strength alternative to stainless steel then we suggest you check out the HEL Performance Titanium fitting mini site »
Never Use Aluminium Fittings On Braking Systems
Electrolytic corrosion works on the same principles as a battery. Two metals, an anode and a cathode, are placed in fluid and an electrical reaction takes place which results in the softer metal being eroded due to electrolytic corrosion. Once these conditions are met, a "corrosion cell" is created, an electrical current will flow and metal will be consumed at the anode. The only way to remove this corrosion is by using metals of the same electromotive force (EMF). HEL Performance only ever use stainless steel or titanium fittings on stainless steel hose for our motorcycle brake lines which keeps the EMF constant across the system eliminating electrolytic corrosion.
 Electrolytic Corrosion Of An Aluminium Fitting |
This image shows the results of electrolytic corrosion of an aluminium fitting when connected to stainless steel hose. Corrosion has resulted in half of the fitting breaking away - if this line had been left on the vehicle the results could have been fatal. Do not use aluminium fittings on your brake lines. |
For example, Aluminium has an EMF of +1.66 volts and stainless steel an EMF of -0.34 volts. When these two metals are in contact in the presence of a fluid (rain water etc) the electrolytic corrosion outlined above must take place resulting in the erosion of the anode (the positively charged metal in which in this case is aluminium). The greater the difference between the difference in the EMF's of the two metals the greater the level of corrosion.
Never Use Aluminium Fittings On Braking Systems
In the case of an aluminium brake part this could lead to catastrophic results in the failure of the brake system. Again we reiterate that you should never use aluminium brake line fittings on any vehicle even for race use. The minimal weight saving obtained by using aluminium fittings is insignificant especially when viewed against the real dangers and risks involved when, and we mean when, the fitting corrodes.
