Sharper Pedal Feel Starts With The Hoses You Never See
The Audi A3 is a fun car to push through corners, but a soft pedal from expanding rubber brake hoses undercuts confidence when you’re braking hard into a turn. The Wilwood 221-17404 front flexline kit replaces the factory rubber hose with a braided stainless steel line, giving the pedal a firmer, more direct feel.
Key Features
- Direct bolt in replacement for the factory front rubber brake hose
- Braided stainless steel construction resists expansion under hard braking
- DOT compliant for street legal use
- Improves brake pedal feel and response compared to aging rubber lines
- Corrosion resistant PTFE inner liner for long service life
- Wilwood MPN 221-17404 front position kit
Fitment Table
| Year Range | Make | Model |
|---|---|---|
| 2006-2013 | Audi | A3 |
Specifications
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Brand | Wilwood |
| MPN | 221-17404 |
| UPC | N/A |
| Position | Front |
| Construction | Braided Stainless Steel, PTFE Liner |
| Compliance | DOT Approved |
What’s Included
- Front brake flexlines (pair)
- Mounting hardware
About Wilwood
Wilwood Engineering has designed and manufactured high performance brake systems for street, off road, and racing applications for decades. Their stainless steel flexlines are built to the same standard as their brake kits, giving daily drivers and racers alike a firmer, more consistent pedal.
Related Parts on Our Site
- Wilwood Dynapro Radial Caliper – 1.75in Pistons
- Wilwood Forged Superlite Caliper – 1.12in Pistons
FAQ
What is the Wilwood 221-17404?
The Wilwood 221-17404 is a braided stainless steel front brake flexline kit designed to replace the factory rubber brake hose on 2006-2013 Audi A3 models.
Will this flexline fit my A3?
This kit fits 2006-2013 Audi A3 model years at the front position. Check your vehicle’s model year against the fitment table above to confirm.
Is this brake line DOT legal for street use?
Yes, the Wilwood 221-17404 is DOT compliant and legal for street use.
Why upgrade from a rubber brake line to a stainless steel flexline?
Rubber brake hoses expand under hydraulic pressure, especially as they age, which softens pedal feel. A braided stainless steel line with a PTFE liner resists that expansion, giving a firmer and more responsive pedal.
Do I need to bleed the brakes after installing this flexline?
Yes, the brake system must be bled after installation to remove any air introduced during the swap.
Does this kit include the rear flexlines as well?
No, this listing is for the front position only. A separate rear flexline kit is required if replacing all four corners.
What material is the outer covering on this brake line?
The line uses a braided stainless steel outer covering over a PTFE inner liner for durability and resistance to abrasion.
Can this flexline be used with aftermarket brake calipers?
Yes, as long as the caliper and hardline fittings match the factory thread and connection type, this flexline is compatible with OEM and most aftermarket setups.
Install Instructions
- Raise and safely support the vehicle, then remove the front wheels.
- Disconnect the factory rubber brake hoses at the hardline and caliper connections.
- Remove the factory hoses and any retaining hardware.
- Install the new Wilwood stainless steel flexlines, connecting them to the hardlines and calipers.
- Torque all fittings to manufacturer specification and secure with any retaining hardware.
- Bleed the brake system to remove air introduced during installation.
- Check for leaks and verify proper pedal feel before returning the vehicle to service.
