Replacing GS550 Brakes with Stainless

[bbytes]

So I thought I might change the brake fluid and the brake lines out. Want to see why?

Yum! Looks like coffee and cream. Maybe it's time to replace that old brake fluid

So I have a bit of a question about my brakes though. If I want to replace the old rubber lines with stainless steel ones, will I need 3 separate hoses?

I have these two in this picture. One goes from the master cylinder to that black T shaped thing that has the brake lever on it.


One goes from that T shaped thing to the swingarm, where it connects to a solid pipe.



The last one goes from that solid pipe to the brake caliper.



Do I need to get 3 SS brake lines just to connect this brake? Why did they choose to do a metal pipe for the swingarm? What about the connectors between the brake line and the pipe? Where do I get those?

The front one looks so much easier. Just one brake line from the lever to the caliper.

[spyug]

Well the first thing you are going to want to do before SS lines is to pull, inspect, clean and rebuild your calipers. Its extremely likely you will find something like this:

Note the rust in the caliper bore. That's the stuff that can cause serious problems like jamming the piston. It needs to be cleaned out and its very important to insure the piston is in good shape with no cracking of the chrome, pitting or rust splotches. Some rust at the outer end of the piston is normal and acceptable (but clean it up) but absolutely none on the skirt (inside the bore) or anywhere that touches the seal. Replace them if they have any issues in those areas. Also inspect the seals closely for nicks, cuts or splits. If they are not flexible or have any of those issues replace them.

Once you know the calipers are good to go then worry about SS lines. I haven't seen that setup before but I'd say either go one piece if it can be properly mounted to the swingarm or just replace the rubber hose sections and reuse the metal section after you clean it.

Don't half ass brakes, you life could depend on them.

Good luck,
Spyug

[ChicagoBob]

I agree with Spyug about the calipers. For the rear line, you can use the existing lugs on the swingarm for clamps for a one-piece stainless line, like this guy did with his rubber line:

[Nessism]

I recommend a one piece line, both front and rear.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?t=114521

[bbytes]

I agree with Spyug about the calipers. For the rear line, you can use the existing lugs on the swingarm for clamps for a one-piece stainless line, like this guy did with his rubber line:

Can I just pick up those clamps at a hardware store? The solid pipe goes under a long flat piece of metal, that I don't think a regular brake line would fit under.

Why did Suzuki decide to use a solid pipe instead of a rubber brake line on the swingarm? It seems like an odd choice, unless they had reason to do it.

Also, do I need to replace the hose that goes from the brake fluid reservoir to the master cylinder? It is old and made of rubber too. What do I replace that with?

[ChicagoBob]

Usually you can use hardware store items. You should paint them to prevent rust. Brake-system specific clamps are available from racing and street rod suppliers (such as Speedway).

Can I just pick up those clamps at a hardware store? The solid pipe goes under a long flat piece of metal, that I don't think a regular brake line would fit under.

Why did Suzuki decide to use a solid pipe instead of a rubber brake line on the swingarm? It seems like an odd choice, unless they had reason to do it.

Also, do I need to replace the hose that goes from the brake fluid reservoir to the master cylinder? It is old and made of rubber too. What do I replace that with?