Teflon stainless steel braided brake hose

[Guest]

Hi all,

Using AN Plumbing and BassCliff's info I built a new rear brake line for my GS850G. This was more in practice for lines on my Katana.

Now the peddle is very stiff, has good feel, and good stopping power. Overall much improved.

I have been kind of skeptical of improvements from using this hose. Its hard for me to imagine the rubber hose expanding. The walls are quite thick and it seems like the older the rubber the less likely it is to expand.

Is this all do to the teflon stainless steel braided hose or did I just have some air in the system before? What are the members experience with this modification?

Thanks

[tkent02]

Old hoses expand like balloons. There's a reason Suzuki recommended replacing them every two years or so.

[Agemax]

stainless braided lines is probably the most popular brake upgrade for anyone on this site. they do make an awful lot of difference.
despite what you think, the rubber hoses do expand under pressure, and there is a LOT of pressure in those lines.
fact is, like most things made of rubber, the older it gets, the weaker it gets

[spyug]

Bar none the best upgrade you can do. Its like day and night comparing ss lines to stock rubber. This is the first modification I do to new to me bikes. For around $100 there is nothing you can do that gives the benefit of this.

Highly recommended and without reservation.

Cheers,
spyug

[subforry]

Thanks guys. I really wanted to know that I was not crazy and this is very good modification. I am very excited to replace the all the lines on my bikes.

On my Katana I have always felt that the clutch is not fully engaging. Replacing the very old, cracked, and long clutch line might make a big difference.

[Agemax]

Thanks guys. I really wanted to know that I was not crazy and this is very good modification. I am very excited to replace the all the lines on my bikes.

On my Katana I have always felt that the clutch is not fully engaging. Replacing the very old, cracked, and long clutch line might make a big difference.

don't hold your breath with the clutch problem. there are a lot of things that can cause a poor operating clutch. if it is already bled properly then the problem could lie deeper!

[Meriban]

The Tutorial Seems to be missing

My next step is removing my brake lines and going with the Stainless Braided...Only thing is, I haven't a clue on how to make them...is there anyone who can show me a close up of a bike with them on it? If I see them I can probably figure it out...I just don't know much about the fittings....

[Wester Cooley]

Earl's Supply Performance Plumbing website has some great how to videos on how to assemble braided steel line and fittings. Earl's has been the world's leader in braided hose and fittings since as long as I call remember!!! About 99% of the Indy, IMSA, NASCAR, and NHRA racecars use Earl's.

I have used Earl's since back around 1978 on all of my bikes without any problems. Just make sure you cut the hose with a PERFECTLY straight cut. A cutoff wheel is the hot setup for cutting hose. AND REMEMBER those little braid ends WILL stick you worse than any cactus ever will!!! Been There Done That!!!!

[Nessism]

AN Plumbing used to have a nice video on how to make the lines but it's gone. They still have a video about cutting tubing though...http://www.anplumbing.com/page/11

[Meriban]

I guess I can see doing it myself...I think I just need to figure out what fittings are actually needed, how many and what type...

[Wester Cooley]

I guess I can see doing it myself...I think I just need to figure out what fittings are actually needed, how many and what type...

Any good speed shop should carry Earl's. You should have a few in Phoenix. There are other companies that make hose and fittings too.
I use -3 size (3/16) hose and fittings for my brake lines.

What I do is to extend my forks all the way and use 3/16 clear fuel line to measure the length of the hoses I need. Don't measure with your forks compressed.

If you don't want to cut your own hose, take that fuel line to the speed shop and have them cut the hose to the lengths you need. They cut off a 50 foot roll of braided hose anyway.

Its more satisfying to make them than to just buy them!!!

[mrbill5491]

My next step is removing my brake lines and going with the Stainless Braided...Only thing is, I haven't a clue on how to make them...is there anyone who can show me a close up of a bike with them on it? If I see them I can probably figure it out...I just don't know much about the fittings....

Why reinvent the wheel when you can buy ready made ones from Z1.

[Wester Cooley]

Why reinvent the wheel when you can buy ready made ones from Z1.

Guess thats some would call the difference between a builder and a parts changer!!

[koolaid_kid]

Guess thats some would call the difference between a builder and a parts changer!!

Or a rider and a mechanic.

[Meriban]

I have been a Wrencher all my life, worked at the service station in high school, was a Jet Mech in the Navy and I used to do all the work on my cars, trucks and motorcycles...Now, I don't monkey with my car or truck, just the bike...I have the money now to have it all done. however, there is really a sense of satisfaction when I am on a bike that I have rebuilt and know every inch of....