How to install extended rear brake lines AND flush brake fluid?

[sonk76]

I've been doing searches here, but haven't been able to get clarity on how to install extended rear brake lines, and also how to flush the brake fluids in general?

Are there any DIY guides existing, or anyone with helpful advice on how I should go about doing this. I am replacing the rear brake lines with longer once to accommodate more droop in the rear, and I'm due for a brake flush as part of my 60k service, so I thought I'd try to accomplish both at the same time.

The part that I'm most confused about is, how would I go about removing the old brake lines, and installing the new ones, without having all the existing brake fluid from the system just fly all over the place (and potentially pull air into the system, which I understand we ant to avoid...)

Any and all ideas appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Skidoo]

Just crack open bleed valves, you will get a little bit out. Then remove lines, a little bit will leak, and put new lines in. Then do full bleed, might as well flush brake fluid, since it takes extra bleeding when cracking frame to dif lines. A really good thread here on bleeding, just have to ... search for it.

 

[sonk76]

Just crack open bleed valves, you will get a little bit out. Then remove lines, a little bit will leak, and put new lines in. Then do full bleed, might as well flush brake fluid, since it takes extra bleeding when cracking frame to dif lines. A really good thread here on bleeding, just have to ... search for it.

That's great insight. Never having done this before, I was afraid that all the fluid would come gushing out, and that this would introduce bubbles into the system (which I understand to be bad!) Any thoughts on whether or not the little vacuum pump systems that are sold are worth it for the brake flush?


That said, anyone have any advice on how to go about swapping all the brake lines. I just received my new Goodridge stainless steel lines today, but they don't come with any instructions...

Thanks!

 

[Skidoo]

See my post on stainless steel lines. Check fit on front lines, depending on model LC you may want different ends. Little hand vacuum things will take all day, see Spresso's post on bleeders if you have to do the job by yourself!

 

[sonk76]

Well so far this has turned into a real cluster ****. Not only are the front connections not the right type (as many had already noted before), one of the lines to the rear axle in the back was also not the right type in terms of the connectors (i.e., it could not be mounted an held in place by the clips there.) And if that wasn't enough (I was willing to try to find a work around for holding the line in place), the same line (where the clips couldn't hold it in place) refused to mate with the screw on the solid steel brake line.

So after 7 hours of effort, and lots of cursing, I have one extended line mounted in the rear... and concerns around whether or not I trust my brakes any more.

Any advice on who I should look to for help in mounting the stainless lines--at this point that requires also changing some of the fittings, and potentially replacing some of the connection "screws" on the steel lines, as they were giving such grief?

I don't know how much my experience reflects my own lack of experience working with brake lines (my first time), or issues with the brake line kit... either way, I need a beer now!

 

[Skidoo]

If the thread is wrong, they may have put wrong hose in kit. Do the rears look like photo in my post? Vaguely remember clips were a mother to get on one hose. But if thread is wrong its the wrong hose, do not try to make it work. YOU DO NOT want to mess up threaded bung on steel tubing making it fit, as that whole section of steel tubing will need to be replaced.

 

[hoser]

Sorry Sonk, too bad you aren't local. I'd give you a hand. The front connections may not necessarily be wrong, just different. Maybe pics of the problem areas might help.

 

[sonk76]

Sorry Sonk, too bad you aren't local. I'd give you a hand. The front connections may not necessarily be wrong, just different. Maybe pics of the problem areas might help.

Thanks Hoser. I appreciate the sentiment. I'll take some photos when I get back onto this project. Right now, I have a single stainless steel line installed, and all others are OEM rubber (one I had removed, and had to reinstall because I couldn't get the stainless replacement mounted.)

For the time being, I'm going to have to hold of until another weekend to get this project done--right now priority is just to make sure that the brakes are in good working order for the work week, and for a little family adventure trip coming up next weekend. My plan is to just bleed the brakes on the front (already did the rears on Friday night when I was dealing with my failed stainless line install issues), and then leave it at that. If I can find a credible local brake shop, I would like to take it in to get some help with the install, and to have them double check that everything is in good working order.

I'll have to give some thought as to when to pick-up the full stainless conversion project again...