Brake Line Cleaning

In the next couple days I hope to finish my front brake rebiuld/reinstalation and was wondering what i could use to clean the brake lines? I didn't figure brake cleaner was safe for the lines (I'd like to flush the lines, if you hadn't gathered that by now). Any suggestions or is brake cleaner safe to use on the interior of the lines as well?

Thaks,
Matthew

 

IF you were to flush them out, then blow a lot of air through them, and then let them dry for a couple days before reinstalling them, I suppose it would probably be fine.

Personally I would just replace them with SS lines. Better feel and durability, especially since bike brake lines go bad after about 5-7 years.

But if I had to reuse them I would just blow air through them, then bleed/flush the brakes after installation.

Jim

PS Galfer SS lines are available on E-bay for about $100 for all three. I just ordered some for my Turbo.

 

+1 for replacing them -- there's really no purpose to try cleaning them. If they're in a state that requires cleaning, then they need to be replaced.

The money for braided stainless lines (actually teflon lines, but splitting hairs) is worth it. Oh - and do check with a motorcycle shop for a price on lines - on mine with the stock 2 line setup, I was able to switch to one longer line, thus costing me only about $48 Canadian.

 

That's a great price.

I like These (click here) because they ARE Stainless with a nylon sheath, and they have all the fittings as well.



Jim

 

Pretty much the same as mine actually - I got Russell line & fittings.

The hose itself isn't stainless - that's just the braided sheath they put over it for protection. The hose inside is actually made from teflon, then the braided sheath, then the nylon coating sheath.

 

I'd love to replace them with stainless, but if all goes well in the next month or two.... it'll be my second bike, or I may just sell it. So I'd like to keep costs to a minimum for now! I've been having one problem after another with it lately and that's just trying to get it road worthy again!! I've almost lost my religion on this bike.

Back to my original question..... is it safe to clean these lines out with brake cleaner & blow dry? Note: this bike has had the brake calipers removed for about 2 years and now that I've "inharited" this project.... I'm trying to put it all back together from the box of parts it was!! I still intend to disassemble the master cylinder/clean/reassemble, I've already rebuilt the front calipers (2 - 1981 Seca). And just wanted to be sure every thing was clean before putting it all back together and began recharging/bleeding the system.

 

rubbing alcohol, blow out well

 

Is it do-able - yes.
Is it safe - debatable.

 

Agreed!

Jim

 

nm

 

Thanks guys!! I think for now I'll just try the rubbing alcohol & a blow dry. I just wanted to be sure there was no dust or debre in them.

One more question, how much fluid does it take to fill & bleed the system? (I'm at work and will be stopping past the store on the way home this afternoon.)