Just checking my work - brake lines and MC rebuild

My oldest boy and I took the afternoon to rebuild my master cylinder and replace the 34 year old brake lines with braided steel lines. I ordered the parts from XJForever (great service once again). Everything seemed to go well. I gently tested the braking and found it to be almost too good. The front wheel will lock up if I really hit the brakes. It looked like the brake fluid may not have ever been changed, or at least not for a very, very long time. It was nearly brown in color. I've checked to ensure nothing is leaking and fluid level is correct. I tested the braking by stopping hard about a dozen times, then more gently several more times. Long story short, although it seems like everything is set, this is the only bike I own, have ridden for less than a year, and would like to know if there is anything I should be watching out for to ensure there are no problems.

Thanks.

 

As far the front brakes, sounds like you got it nailed. I did the front brakes on my Maxim a couple years ago and it made quite a difference. Thought I was going to stand it up on the front wheel like the crotch rockets do.
Did you rebuild the calipers? How are the rear brakes?
If it doesn't go, that's inconvenient. If it doesn't stop, that's a problem.

 

I rebuilt the front calipers, master cylinder and installed stainless lines on my XJ700N. While the brakes work well, I did notice the that the brake lever seemed to be very hard with very little feel. My Hondas have a softer feel but they still have the rubber hoses. So I guess it takes some getting used to.

 

You did it right. Now go to a big, empty parking lot and practice your braking skills until you are comfortable.

 

After 100 miles of riding re-bleed the lines.

Gary H.

 

Thanks for the comments. I'll take the advice and re-bleed the lines in a hundred miles.

K-moe, great advice. I am definitely found it uncomfortable really hitting the breaks.

I haven't rebuilt the callipers yet. I have that planned for next year, as they appear to be in pretty good shape. The rear brake will be done at the carb clinic. Hopefully someone will have a torque wrench I can borrow, as that is still a tool I need to add to my collection.

 

Rebuild the calipers now. Looks mean nothing; it's what you can't see that counts.

 

I can't say I disagree, but it simply can't be done until at least the Fall. I really stretched to get the brake lines and MC rebuild. I will, however, do the calipers as soon as possible, maybe sooner than expected, as I know you are right.

 

If the calipers are in decent shape, then its just rubber parts you need - cheap compared to the SS lines. My caliper locked up a couple years ago and the piston was good enough to polish and reuse. I think you'd spend a lot more in time and effort than parts cost, and end up with very trustworthy brakes.

 

I'll take a look at the prices. That may work.

 

Yep. Rebuild usually only requires new piston seals and a thorough cleaning.

 

Alright, I will contact Len and see if I that it done. Then I will see if my wife doesn't shoot me. Just kidding, of course, but she's a pretty good shot.

 

Final follow up. I received the quote from Len and replacing just the seals is doable. By the end of June the bike will have a fully maintained braking system, along with a record of what has been done (no maintenance records came with the bike).

Thanks for the help.

 

Seals ordered. I guess my entire brake system will be overhauled before the end of June.

 

Good you are looking after them. Too many take stopping power is not high on the priority list and bad things can happen if your brakes are not tip top. Stay safe out there!

 

Thanks, MN. Stopping is much more important than going. And I do take K-moe's advice rather seriously as he has shown that he knows what he is doing on these bikes.

 

He definitely knows his stuff that's for sure!

 

I don't hardly know anything. I just finally got tired of visiting emergency roooms.

 

I like to learn from other people's mistakes, not my own. And I do appreciate straight forward answers.

 

Of course you do. You share knowledge in the way it's needed. You have confident knowledge not cocky and arrogant knowledge...BIG DIFFERENCE!

Gary H.