Help with replacing brake line

[Foxhuntr]

For reasons best left untold, my brake line on my 07 (the one from the master cyclinder on the handlebars), sustained "damage" and needs to be replaced. I found one online that is less than the dealer msrp, and ordered it. It apparently includes both the hose and the hard line. Is this something I can do myself? I haven't worked on brake lines before. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[02zx9r]

i have not done brake lines but *assume* it would be along the lines on changing pads, meaning have plenty of brake fluid on hand and plenty of rags for spills or drips. Replace the line (s) and fill master cylinder and bleed line to get the air out

 

[drjfjr]

Just follow the instructions for bleeding the brakes in the manual. It is the same procedure to replace fluid as it is to replace lines to add brake fluid. Take your time and it is quite easy. I replaced all the brake and clutch lines on my FJR and the lines on my SV650. Piece of cake.

 

[Lowcountry Joe]

-Buy a service (shop) manual

-Buy the right tools

-Learn to do it yourself

OR

-Pay someone else to spill brake fluid on your paint, leave air bubbles in your brake lines, screw up your ABS sensor, or some other rage-inspiring failure oriented action for which you will pay through your nose.

And if you are going to change the front brake lines, for God's sake change them out with stainless braided lines and don't replace them with the stock stuff. You can actually feel the difference and they are a higher quality replacement. (Goodridge, etc. ) And don't forget to change the pads in the event they are getting close to being called "a little worn"...do it now on the front and back.

 

[FJRBluesman]

If you're not very mechanically inclined and or you have never done brake lines or bleed brakes, I'd get your local dealer to do it.

 

[Foxhuntr]

Just follow the instructions for bleeding the brakes in the manual. It is the same procedure to replace fluid as it is to replace lines to add brake fluid. Take your time and it is quite easy. I replaced all the brake and clutch lines on my FJR and the lines on my SV650. Piece of cake.

My concern is that my bike has ABS, and the brake line from the front master cylinder goes all the way to the back of the bike. The shop manual seems to indicate that you have to remove the rear fender, tank, etc to get to it, which may be more than I can/want to handle. I'll take a look at the replacement line when it arrives to see if I can just remove the front flexible hose and only replace the damaged part.

Thanks all for the responses.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The big problem will actually come when you try to bleed it, because the system has a number of nooks where little air bubbles can get trapped. A number of us have gotten pressure/vacuum bleeders and if you bleed from the bottom up, the bubbles are easier to get out. You can buy the bleeders at most car parts stores.

Make a little aluminum foil drip catcher to go under the clutch reservoir for the errant drip and cover the area with an old towel to keep hydraulic fluid off the paint!

Bob

 

[02zx9r]

might help, dunno.

https://fjr1300.info/howto/brakelines.html

 

[Foxhuntr]

might help, dunno.
https://fjr1300.info/howto/brakelines.html

Thanks, I had seen that.

 

[Ignacio]

Having upgraded to the Spieglers and did myself....it's not a job for the faint-of-heart. But, at the same time it's not an onerous job. I'm a guy who does my own work except for valve checks and adjust, fork/shock rebuilds, and used to have tires done.

IIRC, the tricky part was replacing lines that went through the engine bay under the tank. Not much clearance. And mine is a Gen I ABS...you have more/different with the linked brakes.

That and having a good set of wrenches for the tight ends. I ended up buying a special set of Craftseman wrenches for brake lines.

That and equipment to bleed the lines at the end.

Brakes are a HUGELY important piece of equipment that truly are life and death...and unless you're sure.....it's one of those that it may pay to have a professional do.

 

[Foxhuntr]

Having upgraded to the Spieglers and did myself....it's not a job for the faint-of-heart. But, at the same time it's not an onerous job. I'm a guy who does my own work except for valve checks and adjust, fork/shock rebuilds, and used to have tires done.
IIRC, the tricky part was replacing lines that went through the engine bay under the tank. Not much clearance. And mine is a Gen I ABS...you have more/different with the linked brakes.

That and having a good set of wrenches for the tight ends. I ended up buying a special set of Craftseman wrenches for brake lines.

That and equipment to bleed the lines at the end.

Brakes are a HUGELY important piece of equipment that truly are life and death...and unless you're sure.....it's one of those that it may pay to have a professional do.

Thanks to all. I've already called the shop and talked to them about doing the work. I AM faint-of-heart about this job!

 

[Warchild]

Soooooo..... now that's that's done......

How did the brake line get "damaged"?