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Brake Line Flush Options
Posted: Fri Aug 19, 2011 8:49 am
by Dusaki
I just finished rebuilding the front caliper on my 550. I had also rebuilt the master cylinder a few month ago. The bike had been sitting since 1980 and the brake fluid had dried. The brake worked fine for a few days until the caliper wasn't releasing any more. I am certain that I didn't get all the debris out of the lines and it has clogged the tiny ports in the master again. I've done some searches for what to use to remove the dried fluid. I've heard water, brake clean, acetone and alcohol. I know the acetone will attack the rubber, so that's a no.
Do you guys have any suggestions or experience with this issue?
Re: Brake Line Flush Options
Posted: Sun Aug 21, 2011 7:29 am
by Coyote
Alcohol is your best bet. That and a length of coat hanger wire. I had a 77 GT750 that had sat for 30 years. I couldn't even get air through the lines I disassembled the junctions in the line so I was working with shorter pieces. A cheap pump type oil can filled with alcohol and steady prodding with the wire finally got the glop out. After that, I kept flushing the lines with alcohol till no more junk was coming out. Finished the job with compressed air.
If you can afford it, I recommend replacing the line with modern braided stainless steel. They are even available with a black jacket if you prefer. I bought my Galfer lines through these folks.
http://www.hvccycle.com/brakelines.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Brake Line Flush Options
Posted: Mon Aug 22, 2011 11:37 am
by Dusaki
Thanks for the help and link.