Testing Stainless Lines

[Turtleface]

Alright, got my lines fabbed up, and installed. Now, what's the best way to go about making sure they don't leak. I've filled and bleed both the front and rear brake systems, and have a pretty decent lever feel on both. Previously, I had the factory OEM lines, with fresh fluid. To get back to the testing procedure, I wrapped a bungee cord around itself at the portion of the lever closest to the end, in order to utilize as much leverage as possible. I had enough tension on the lever to pull it in to about 3/4 to 1/2 of a inch away from the bar. Was quite the trick. I left it on there for a full day, periodically checking for leaks. I took it off for a bit, pulled the lever about two dozen times to feel it, and put the bungee back on for another day. No discernible leaks to be found, every fitting is dry as a bone, even with reusing the old crush washers(New ones will be installed upon completion of brake system rebuil). Think I'm good to go? My first few hours are probably going to be spent in the gianormous church parking lot right by my house, practicing quick stops with the new brakes, so I'll have extra time to check during actual operation, before I venture out on any spirited adventures into the desert.

 

[Nessism]

Good to go I'd say. Did you make your own lines from Earl's parts? If so, the guy at AN Plumbing told me the Earl's bolt-on hose ends are have a higher pull off strength than the machine crimp lines. Good stuff.

 

[Turtleface]

Good to go I'd say. Did you make your own lines from Earl's parts? If so, the guy at AN Plumbing told me the Earl's bolt-on hose ends are have a higher pull off strength than the machine crimp lines. Good stuff.

Yeah, I did indeed to the Earl's route. Went all stainless on the fittings, just for kicks. I was surprised at how easy everything went together. I keep expecting some sort of gremlin to pop up.

 

[Jagir]

Yeah, I did indeed to the Earl's route. Went all stainless on the fittings, just for kicks. I was surprised at how easy everything went together. I keep expecting some sort of gremlin to pop up.

I just did mine this winter and had the same sense of relief that there were no Gremlins. I did lots of squeezing and slow speed stops, then found a long dry road and did some practice stops at higher speeds.

Seems to be one of the easier upgrades/maintenance things to do on these old bikes.