Customers contact us from time to time if, for example, they have purchased a used vehicle on which brake lines from HEL Performance have already been installed.
This can lead to the problem that they may not be permitted in Germany because the required markings are missing.
Unfortunately, these cannot be retrofitted as they are part of the manufacturing process.
How do you determine whether the cable has a marking valid for Germany?
The following markings must be stamped all around the stainless steel compression sleeve (the part to which the connector and hose are connected):
FMVSS, 106, type 1, year (2015, 2016 etc.), quarter (Q1, Q2, Q3 or Q4) HEL and an indication of the press with which the cable was manufactured (e.g. DE).
It then looks like this, for example:
However, the marking on the ferrule is only ONE of three necessary requirements for the cable to be legally used on motor vehicles on public roads in Germany.
The second necessary marking is an identification ring on the cable.
The identification ring is available in two versions:
a) if with ABE (general operating permit, issued by the Federal Motor Transport Authority) = HEL logo and KBA number 61360
b) if with parts certificate = HEL logo only
Picture identification ring a: with marking for ABE:
Picture identification ring b: with marking for parts certificate:
The third requirement is that your vehicle is listed in the area of application of the certificate. If not, you may be lucky and come across a knowledgeable test engineer who can find a comparable vehicle in the area of application and successfully carry out the installation approval for you. Simply asking the test center in a friendly manner often helps.
There is also an older parts certificate with a different marking. The variant only has HEL and a number stamped on the press sleeve. The identification ring is provided with information on vehicle key numbers and a Dekra certificate number.
If one of the details or markings is missing, the line unfortunately does not comply with either the parts certificate or the ABE.
HEL Performance provides the parts certificates and ABE in the download area of the website www.helperformance.de free of charge. A service that we believe is appropriate. At the bottom of the page you will find the section "Certificates"
If you have problems with "non-legal" lines, please contact us.
We can offer you replacement brake lines with valid markings at special prices.
(The offer also applies to steel flex lines from other manufacturers).
As already mentioned, the markings cannot be retrofitted. And yes, it's just a bureaucratic problem, but that's what it remains.
All original steel braided lines from HEL Performance are identical. Whether for a 50cc scooter or a MotoGP racer, the quality is always the same. Only the annoying marking is decisive in Germany, nothing else!
Your team from HEL Performance Germany - GMS Motorsport GmbH
