Front brake problem (New brake lines required?)

[garfield1974]

I am having problem with front brake.

Every week or two I notice that front brake is getting "soft". After I open nipple on the cylinder some air is getting out and than it works fine for next week or two. I do not loose any brake oil.
Maybe it's time to change brake lines as bike is already 9 years old 
I also ordered front cylinder repair kit but I am thinking that I should bite a bullet and change lines also.
What's yours thoughts ?

Can somebody give me a link where to check brake lines for '08 ABS model (or go for original Kawasaki)?


Thanks in advance for advice.


Gordan

[O.C.]

I agree that you should overhaul the brake cylinder with a repair kit

I think that standard replacement brake hoses will be good but you may prefer to upgrade to a braided hose which will improve braking performance,  there are a number of companies who will make up braided hoses to your requirements

Your bike is now 9 years old....how many miles have you covered ?

This company will make up hoses for you

  http://www.goodridge.co.uk/Motorcycle/Motorcyle-Brake-Lines?limit=144

Good luck and let us know how your repairs work     /color]

[Charlie747]

I agree that you should overhaul the brake cylinder with a repair kit

I think that standard replacement brake hoses will be good but you may prefer to upgrade to a braided hose which will improve braking performance,  there are a number of companies who will make up braided hoses to your requirements

Your bike is now 9 years old....how many miles have you covered ?

This company will make up hoses for you

  http://www.goodridge.co.uk/Motorcycle/Motorcyle-Brake-Lines?limit=144

Good luck and let us know how your repairs work     /color]

Important to put fresh fluid into the system as you could be victim of vapour lock from what you are describing

[O.C.]

yeah, very good point Charlie   

[garfield1974]

It's showing 78,000 km on the clock.

Last oil change was about year ago and I have problem with brake for last 6 months.  (I am a seaman so that's why this problem is dragging for so long time, guess I was to lazy to put a boilersuit when I am at home  ), but I guess that it's high time do do something about this.

Any how , thanks for advises. 

[O.C.]

I'm guessing that you are planning to complete the work yourself,  in which case you may find that bleeding the brakes following a full overhaul to be time consuming.

[virginiajim]

Mine's still stiff and I have an 08.

[O.C.]

Mine's still stiff and I have an 08.

[virginiajim]

In all seriousness though, the brakes should not have a spongy feel.  It's possible the lines are getting softer but we just haven't seen that on the classic bikes.  Air is getting introduced at some point.  It could be through the caliper pistons or through the master cylinder itself.  If you bleed it and it solves the problem, it's probably going to come back again.  I think it's rebuild time for the master cylinder and calipers.

[garfield1974]

Just to update on the subject.

Couple of days ago I could not move the bike out from garage as the front brake was stuck "shut".
After couple of squeezes brake opened and I decide that it's high time to do something about brakes.

Got this kit: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/161381582139?_trksid=p2060353.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

and draw bike to dealer to check and clean brakes, overhaul front brake cylinder and change oil.

Got bike back yesterday and so far so good .

Will post pics of "old" cylinder parts soon.

Cheers, Gordan

[O.C.]

It seems like your problem may be cured.....let's hope so     ., and keep us informed of any more developments 

[virginiajim]

So did they 'hone' the cylinder as well?  Yeah, I'd love to see what the parts looked like.   I haven't seen much permanent good come from re-doing a brake master cylinder, at least in vehicles.  Used to be one quite a bit years ago and have even done it myself a time or two but it's never held up long term.

[O.C.]

So did they 'hone' the cylinder as well?  Yeah, I'd love to see what the parts looked like.   I haven't seen much permanent good come from re-doing a brake master cylinder, at least in vehicles.  Used to be one quite a bit years ago and have even done it myself a time or two but it's never held up long term.

It was a regular pass-time with the 1970s Triples I owned Jim, TBH it was mainly a PITA

I installed braided hoses and overhauled the caliper on a TZ250 I once owned, it was fitted with a Lockheed brake disc conversion, it became the mother and father of a job to bleed all the air bubbles out of the new lines, in the end I filled the system with fresh fluid, bled away as much as was possible and then suspended the caliper in the air as high above the bike as possible with the new hoses still connected and the air bubbles rose to the top overnight, voilà  ...job done