question re: brake line replacement

[Peter Buehner]

Hello,
I am restoring a 1980 GS850GT and currently have all the brakes off to rebuild them. I will admit that I have no idea what I am doing. Youtube, this site, and friends are educating me along the way.

-The brake lines seem to be in fine condition. Should I spend the money for braided lines?
-If yes, is everything 10mm?
-What is the purpose of the springs over the lines? Simply protecting the line?
-Is there any reason that I cannot use the OEM brakes, levers, master cylinders, etc with braided lines?
-Finally, do I need to replace all the copper crush washers or can i reuse them? They are cheap enough so I may anyway.

Thanks a ton for any help. The generosity of knowledge on this site is incredible.
Happy New Year,
Peter

[roeme]

I am restoring a 1980 GS850GT and currently have all the brakes off to rebuild them. I will admit that I have no idea what I am doing. Youtube, this site, and friends are educating me along the way.

If you don't already have, get a rebuild kit which includes new rubber parts. Decent kits will include more (copper washer, bleed nipples,...)

-Is there any reason that I cannot use the OEM brakes, levers, master cylinders, etc with braided lines?

No

-Finally, do I need to replace all the copper crush washers or can i reuse them? They are cheap enough so I may anyway.

Can be reused in most cases, but makes no economical sense, as decent kits include them.

Personally, based in the EU, I have used kits from powerhouse.co.uk. May be pricier than others, but include everything for a proper rebuild.

Edit:

-The brake lines seem to be in fine condition. Should I spend the money for braided lines?

Not a question of wether or not to do it, but when

Personally, I have put off the investment for a later date, as braided lines are ridiculously priced in my country.

[Burque73]

Good morning. That's on my to do list for this winter. I haven't gotten all parts together yet though.

Here's a couple of links to get you started.

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?114521-Homemade-Stainless-Brake-Lines-Video/page25

http://www.rennsportautoparts.com/

http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum/showthread.php?244498-question-re-brake-line-replacement

https://spieglerusa.com/brake-line-kit-1182.htm

Sorry if a couple of those go to the same place... A while back I was talking with a member who had a used set of braided lines for sale. May save you some time if you're interested send chef1366 (or maybe he'll chime in)a pm if you're interested, maybe they're still available.

Those rubber lines if original were supposed to be replaced every few years, so if you have them off, yes replace them.

I think the springs were to keep the hose from expanding and blowing out where it bends (could be wrong though)

Look through those links and the threads I'm sure you'll find the answers.


Roger

[Peter Buehner]

Thanks for the fast replies.
I have already ordered replacement parts for the brakes themselves. Cups, seals, boots, etc....anything that was pitted, cracked, or worn. Two of the brakes were seized when I took ownership. In fact, all of my brakes, master cylinders, etc are sitting on my dining room table now. Luckily I am single : )
I ordered it all through Babbit's online to keep OEM but I am seeing that there is a premium attached to doing so.
I will try to get in contact with Chef1366. Thanks for the lead.

Cheers,
Peter

[dorkburger]

I replaced my front lines with braided lines, which gave a much firmer feel at the lever- I consider it a performance and safety upgrade. I have no experience with DIY line kits so I cant comment on that. I sent my originals to Galfer and they matched them (3 lines in my case). They came with new banjo bolts and washers, but they sent incorrect bolts, so I reused the originals without issue.

[Peter Buehner]

Good to know that you can send them in. Thanks!

[Peter Buehner]

Just ordered lines from Spiegler. Their specs didn't match my lines at all so I am glad that I called. They will be here in three days! Thanks again for the link!

[Burque73]

Just ordered lines from Spiegler. Their specs didn't match my lines at all so I am glad that I called. They will be here in three days! Thanks again for the link!

Sweet! Thats a pretty quick time frame. Do you mind if I ask how much the set cost?

[Peter Buehner]

I bought lines for front and rear and to my door was about $220 I think. I know that the front was $149 for clear silver and silver fittings. I think the rear was $59

Sweet! Thats a pretty quick time frame. Do you mind if I ask how much the set cost?

[Burque73]

I bought lines for front and rear and to my door was about $220 I think. I know that the front was $149 for clear silver and silver fittings. I think the rear was $59

Great, thanks.

[Nessism]

I bought lines for front and rear and to my door was about $220 I think. I know that the front was $149 for clear silver and silver fittings. I think the rear was $59

That's a lot of money for brake lines. I think Rennsport is about 1/2 that much. You can make your own lines from Earl's parts for about 1/2 the cost too.

[Peter Buehner]

Too late but maybe others reading this can save some money. The guy on the line was super friendly and helpful and I was tired of looking around

That's a lot of money for brake lines. I think Rennsport is about 1/2 that much. You can make your own lines from Earl's parts for about 1/2 the cost too.

[Burque73]

Too late but maybe others reading this can save some money. The guy on the line was super friendly and helpful and I was tired of looking around

Well, there's a lot to be said for value in good customer service. What matters most is that you get what you ordered, when it's promised, and it works for you!

Can't wait to see that bike on the road.

[Burque73]

Peter, did your brake lines arrive?

On Tuesday evening I called Rennsport for a quote on the steel brake lines. Raymond, the sales associate, was super friendly and sent me a paypal invoice within a few minutes for the order. Only $92.80 shipped! Unfortunately for whatever reason, lack of communication I suppose, the rear line was left off so I called back but couldn't reach anybody. I sent an email, and followed up with a phone call the next day. We got it sorted out yesterday and after all four lines were added and paypal took their chunk the final price adding $23 for the rear line and after shipping was $116 and change. I'll be surprised if they make it here by next weekend but it could happen.

Just thought I'd add this for future referance.

[Gs1000g]

Mine got here in 2-3 days, super happy with the rennsport products