[MedZR7Treker]

I re-read the brake line bleeding guide, and think this is a must do for my bike. Should I expect the brakes to feel much closer to the way they did when new? At 10,000 miles, they're feeling mighty mushy. It almost seems as if the rear has gained strenghth. That's because the front has lost some of it's bite.

Has anyone replaced their lines with hard lines yet? I'd love to read all about that. Where you got them, cost, installation. For now, I'll try bleeding. And, must check pad wear. I was quoted $45 per pair of pads. I think that means 45 x 3. Well, I'll have to double check. Looks fairly easy to do pads by self.

Is it Spring yet ?

Tony

 

[MedZR7Treker]

HELLO

anyone ?

 

[Martin64]

I'm not so sure that what you may be feeling is the brake lines. It may be that the pads are worn down and the fluid level has not been topped off to take up the slack. It may also be that the pads could be a little gazed and may not have the abrasive qualities they once had. But after having said that, the brake lines will swell when you apply the brakes and they will expand a little out of their original size (diameter). After 15,000, miles I have noticed a slight decrease in brake response, but not anything that's out of the ordinary or to cause alarm.

 

[Offpeak]

Tony,
Even the book that came with the bike it says to replace the brake lines after 2 years, might as well do it with hard lines, right. Two Bros. has Galfer lines, $84 for the front, $59 for the back, (I Think that was it) Front set gets rid of the junction under the lamp and runs a line straight to each side. When I mentioned doing this to a friend who races, he said it was a really smart upgrade and would make a noticeable difference in brakeing response/firmness. He even put them in his cars.
Its a cheap upgrade, a nice look, good performance benefit and you don't have to replace them again. Whats to think about?

 

[Andy]

The service manual says to replace the brake lines at four years. The brake fluid should be changed after two years or 12,000 miles.

Andy

 

[Offpeak]

Thanks Andy, My Bad

I'm in the truck today, so was pulling from an obviosly failling memory. (*#*^ing Flu) But my point was basically, if you're going to replace something, do it with better than stock and enjoy the benefits. And the book is a maintenance suggestion based on average use, not written in stone. If it feels broken or reduced performance wise, fix it or replace it, regardless of whether the book says you're good for another 6,000 miles. And better than stock aftermarket is usually not much more expensive, if at all, than factory replacement.

 

[MedZR7Treker]

Thanks for input guys. Done deal. This spring, Lines and pads. Hay, got whole winter to save up, right ? Only thing, I think I should up-grade suspension too. $$$$$$$$$$$ I'm gonna post a question on the rear suspension too.

Tony.

 

[BowmanZR7]

Just put on the Galfer front lines. It was a little difficult lining them up correctly. (No give in braided lines) I had to point the lines a little more towards the gauges.

Something I found out -

When you pull the lines off, the pump cylinder drains. I kept pumping and pumping w/o getting any preasure to the brake handle. I finally realized that air bubbles were coming out of the little hole to the pump cylinder. I had to turn the handlebars to the left so that the resevoir (sp) angled up towards the brake handle. After pumping several times the air bubbles went away. Started getting pressure. Then bled the lines.

The stuff that came out @ the front brakes was black and ugly. This is the first time to change the fluid on my '00 ZR-7. Glad I did.

Just got back from the car wash to get all the brake fluid off the front end. Brakes seem to be noticably stronger. Will keep the group posted.

btw...don't gun the bike when leaving a car wash. Power sliding almost made me have to wash it all over again....

Bowman

 

[scottaraujo]

the black goop is normal on a first time change. bits of the rubber seals in the system just get in the fluid, i had the same thing.

keep us posted on what you think, i'm very interested in these lines.

scott

 

[BowmanZR7]

The brake lines are Great, Fantastic, Wonderful! The brake handle feedback feels smooth throughout the range. It makes me feel a LOT more comfortable grabbing a handful. Lever moves about 2/3 the distance as w/ the old lines.

1 drawback. Now I'm looking at beefing up the front springs...sheesh.

Bowman

 

[scottaraujo]

beefing up the front springs is the next step to a better handling bike. better handling=more control= safer AND more fun.

so what's the problem?

thanks for the feedback. you've moved the steel braided lines up a few notches on my wishlist.

scott

 

[Itztli]

Re:

Best Regards Team:

Doing some research about "brake lines" I found this .

The service manual says to replace the brake lines at four years. The brake fluid should be changed after two years or 12,000 miles.

How often do you need to change the brake pads..???

My rear reservoir is at the very low marker....!!!!!! I'm planning getting the minyvac pump and replace all the rear brake fluid. but not sure about replacing the brake pads yet.

Any advise...??

 

[JET]

Service limit on the brake pads is 1 mm. If either of the pair are at or below this they should be replaced.

 

[Jmiers]

Re-read MOM and the service manual. You are supposed to replace the brake rubber gaskets, and other components at regular intervals of aprox 2 yrs or so.
As for brakelines, SS is the way to go. You can purchace premade ones online, 14" or 16" and just install yourself. Easy to to with the banjo joints.
I have access to a power brakeline flusher, so I can run as much through the system as I want to flush out any crud.
Good luck!

 

[molebaby]

I installed Galfer Braided steel lines in 03 and I have no regrets. My lever pressure went from mushy to solid in one afternoon.
I think it is one of the best mods you can make to any bike.

 

[tdv]

I second molebaby on that (I changed mines to Gafter before taking CLASS school three months ago). Makes all the difference in the brake feel.