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Replacing Front Brake Line

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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 11:44 AM
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ghoticov's Avatar
ghoticov
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Question Replacing Front Brake Line

I have, what I feel like, is a dumb question. Lol

I am going to replace my front brake line and I know that brake fluid will really mess up any paint that it gets on.

So my dumb question is... what is the best way to empty the fluid in my current brake MC and line? Do I just hook a line to the bleeder valve and drain it from there of take the MC off the bars and dump it? First time doing this obviously so didn't want to do something stupid.

I have read all over this forum and no one talks about how to empty the line to replace it.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 11:48 AM
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get a 1/8" ID tube or maybe 1/4"ID, hang one end on the breather valve on the brake caliper, put the other end of the tube in a bucket, crack open the breather valve so it starts draining a bit, then open your master cylinder up on the handlebars and really let the fluid flow out. then go have a few beers, chill out, relax..and when it's done draining, you can begin replacing your line..everything in the master cylinder will drain out through the tube.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 11:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Sgt_Jim
get a 1/8" ID tube or maybe 1/4"ID, hang one end on the breather valve on the brake caliper, put the other end of the tube in a bucket, crack open the breather valve so it starts draining a bit, then open your master cylinder up on the handlebars and really let the fluid flow out. then go have a few beers, chill out, relax..and when it's done draining, you can begin replacing your line..everything in the master cylinder will drain out through the tube.
OK, cool. That's what I kinda figured but wanted to make sure. Thanks!
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 01:51 PM
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Yep, pretty easy. Just make sure you put a towel on fender and tank, just in case. There will be a few drops when you take the banjo off the MC and caliper.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by tinmarine
Yep, pretty easy. Just make sure you put a towel on fender and tank, just in case. There will be a few drops when you take the banjo off the MC and caliper.
Thanks for the tip!

I'm trying to figure out what I can drain the brake fluid in. Lol A cup? An old oil quart? Just not sure where to put it after I drain it.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 04:09 PM
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I've bought some Speed bleeders last month.. Going to flush the lines this winter..

So I am not replacing the lines just flushing them..

I'Ve read in here to put some fluid in Ur new lines to help then pump up good faster.






.
 
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Old Sep 8, 2012 | 04:52 PM
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Make sure you loosen the top banjo bolt before you unbolt the master cyl from the bars, otherwise you will find it to be hell to hold in your hand. Bleeding your line the conventional way will take about an hour, so have lots of beer on hand.
 
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