Four Year Brake Line Change?

[dadof5arrows]

I've looked around & haven't seen much on this (seems like most posts are about the differences between the '07 and '08, or should I trade my '06 for an '08 or wait for the '09 )

My 2004 FJR (w/ ABS) is coming up on the 4 year old mark, 36k miles & the pads need replacing anyway. Anyone done this service?

 

[Ignacio]

I upgraded to Spiegler stainless lines several years ago and feel comfortable they're going to last much longer than the stockers.

 

[sliick2]

I for one can't believe that there is such a directive ! In all my years of wrenching,I've never heard anyone talk about this changing of lines @ 4 years.Is the

material so cheap that it is suggested to change them ? I for one would have been Thrilled to have the option of paying a little more,to have them put on at the factory. There are several other similar bikes that come from the factory with SS lines . Those and a cruise control would be great to be offered from the

factory ! ! I own an '06 & have checked with a couple shops in my area ,their suggestion was to wait a couple more years.They said if I really wanted them,they would put them on. I think for now I'll find another Farkle to throw money at ! Sliick :blink:

 

[TriggerT]

Good question!

I was looking through the owners manual the other day, and noticed the same thing. I am planning on upgrading to S.S. line next year anyway, so for this bike, it wont be a big deal.

I had my V-Max for 8 years, and didn't replace the lines. I never had a single problem.

 

[wheatonFJR]

The lemming that I am, I ordered ss lines (Galfer) during the group buy because of this. I never noticed any problem with the stocker lines and have not had the ss lines on enough to notice the difference. Notice that the clutch line is recommended to be replaced as well. That was a PAIN to replace...thanks griff for coming by to get me through that mess.

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

Probably put in owners manual by a corporate lawyer just to CYA. Upgraded lines generally improve brake feel/response & are less sensitive to swelling than the stock rubber ones. Suspension upgrades & brake component upgrades are always high on my list of farkles.

 

[Knifemaker]

I always thought it was 5 years...

Easier just to trade in for a new one if you are not sure.

KM

 

[dadof5arrows]

Thanks for the inputs!

I, too, felt this was an odd requirement, but I usually try to stick with the manual. And the natural "urge to mod" within me sees the opportunity to upgrade to SS lines (look honey, it says in the owner's manual I have to do this... )

I'll probably do all the lines & pads sometime this summer...I need to monitor the group buys a little more often, but that can get me in trouble with my budget :angry:

And no, Knifeman, I'll not be trading in anytime soon. At this time, I'm so pleased with my '04, I'll be keeping it indefinitely.

Vince

 

[Checkswrecks]

I for one can't believe that there is such a directive ! In all my years of wrenching,I've never heard anyone talk about this changing of lines @ 4 years.

The manufacturers have all been going to this recommendation and there actually is something to it from their standpoint. Beyond the lawyers and profit of selling more parts.

To get more efficient, engines are more tightly packed in and engine areas are running hotter than they used to. We also are assaulting the rubber with more oxidizers from pollution, ethanol, etc than we once did. Onto that mix, the manufacturers have gotten better at understanding that people actually remember which cars they had trouble with and tend not to buy from those makers again. So the maintenance programs have actually gotten better and suddenly they care about being pre-emptive in changing out hoses before they leak, rot, or split.

Does this mean that you're going to hell if you don't do like they recommend? Of course not, but your potential for leakage probably goes up a few percent. It's your bike and it's shades of gray, so you get to decide how far to go in your maintenance.

As for the new brake lines, I just put on a set of Spiegler's and the difference was not huge but the lever is perceptibly less spongy. Since you have a 2004 like mine (non-ABS), I'll make you a deal and save you a few bucks. I happened to end up with two sets of front lines, so I have a spare brand new set with the outer color in black. HOWEVER, the second set doesn't have the hardware, it's just the lines. I'd think that most bike shops will have some hardware in their spare parts bins, or you could see what the harware costs new. Shoot me a personal message with a reasonable price and they're yours.

Bob

 

[dadof5arrows]

PM sent.

I for one can't believe that there is such a directive ! In all my years of wrenching,I've never heard anyone talk about this changing of lines @ 4 years.

The manufacturers have all been going to this recommendation and there actually is something to it from their standpoint. Beyond the lawyers and profit of selling more parts.

To get more efficient, engines are more tightly packed in and engine areas are running hotter than they used to. We also are assaulting the rubber with more oxidizers from pollution, ethanol, etc than we once did. Onto that mix, the manufacturers have gotten better at understanding that people actually remember which cars they had trouble with and tend not to buy from those makers again. So the maintenance programs have actually gotten better and suddenly they care about being pre-emptive in changing out hoses before they leak, rot, or split.

Does this mean that you're going to hell if you don't do like they recommend? Of course not, but your potential for leakage probably goes up a few percent. It's your bike and it's shades of gray, so you get to decide how far to go in your maintenance.

As for the new brake lines, I just put on a set of Spiegler's and the difference was not huge but the lever is perceptibly less spongy. Since you have a 2004 like mine (non-ABS), I'll make you a deal and save you a few bucks. I happened to end up with two sets of front lines, so I have a spare brand new set with the outer color in black. HOWEVER, the second set doesn't have the hardware, it's just the lines. I'd think that most bike shops will have some hardware in their spare parts bins, or you could see what the harware costs new. Shoot me a personal message with a reasonable price and they're yours.

Bob

 

[wheatonFJR]

.... At this time, I'm so pleased with my '04, I'll be keeping it indefinitely.
Vince

ANOTHER satisfied '04 owner. :yahoo: