Replacing the brake hoses
Content
Replace the brake hoses with new armored hoses
Saga of restoration of the sports car Kawasaki ZX6R 636 model 2002: 24nd series
A brake hose is a small hose that looks like a small shower hose that can be made of rubber, braided steel, or Teflon, and should not elongate when braking under pressure. Over time - rubber in particular - the hose can fatigue, which can be seen in cracks or small cuts. Avia hoses are, for example, PTFE tubing surrounded by a metal braid, covered with transparent or opaque shields, depending on the model.
Brake hoses endurance and braking force. So I decided to replace the used brake lines with more efficient ones. Wet spots (aircraft type), hoses are more resistant to deformation and often hold better over time.
For this little hose, I chose the most reassuring solution: new hardware purchased from a trusted link in the adaptable market. But not only nothing and nowhere. I named BST Moto and Goodridge. Hel was also in a good position. A leader in this field, the English manufacturer Goodridge offers high quality elements with an unstoppable look. The importer also offers a selection of hoses, already cut and fitted with a banjo at your convenience.
As soon as the brake system is dry by blowing the brake fluid, the hoses are disassembled. All that is left is to introduce new aircraft hoses. They have a very beautiful constitution compared to the one I am taking, and they make me respect.
The banjos are impressive, not to mention the liquid distribution screw. To be connected to the master cylinder, it is also excellent. Finally, the "sheath" of the hose appears to be very stable. And that's all good!
All this gives rise to unlimited confidence. And this is just the beginning! Possibility to notice that the propeller installed on the motorcycle probably does not fit (below in the photo)
Respect well tightening
The brake hoses must be applied to the torque. The value is 20 to 30 Nm on the banjo (depending on the seal and caliper type) and about 6 Nm on the purge screws. Screws whose seals can be replaced or replaced by themselves if brake fluid leakage is detected during winding and after optimum tightening. Always check that there is no leakage as soon as the chain is pressurized (brake activated).
Racing hoses (another name for reinforced hoses / aviation) usually split the links with each clamp, making a 1-in-2 link a 2-in-2 link. Each caliper has a hose, and the splitter is eliminated in favor of a dual entry screw in the master cylinder. Originally on the 636, there is a hose on the brake receiver that divides into two at the bottom forked tee.
However, it is also possible to order aircraft type hoses offering a path similar to that of the manufacturer. Choice. This is not my case, each of the hoses connects stirrups along the fork sheath. Depending on the caliper and motorcycle type, the hoses may find intermediate attachment points, especially on the side of the front mudguards. To avoid pinching - again - the hoses, I distract the passage and simply hold them in place with a self-tightening collar. Easily they are of different lengths to adapt to the ideal path!
In contrast to the installed kit, the new hoses are of different lengths for easier passage. For example, when well laid out, it is well built and above all fits!
At this point, I'm moving on to the next step in my plan: redesign the front brake calipers. To be continued…
Remember
- Aircraft / track brake hoses provide more powerful and durable braking
- Betting on quality hoses means choosing good aging and respected performance: you don't laugh with braking!
Not to do
- Misiron hoses ...
- Mix new hose / worn hose or mix hoses of different specifications. There is a risk of imbalance in the brake distribution.
Tools:
- Key for socket and socket 6 hollow panels
Deliveries:
- Fastening screws on the lower fork tee, small plate for fixing the hoses (refurbishment)
