Instructions on how to replace motorcycle brake lines!

バイク ブレーキホースの交換の仕方について伝授!
In this article, we will teach even beginners how to easily replace a motorcycle's brake hose!
Bikeman offers special collaborative products from Vertex and Nissin.




[1. What exactly is a brake hose?]

 

    • First, for those who don't even know what a brake hose is, let's explain.
    • A brake hose is a hose that carries brake fluid from the master cylinder to the brake caliper.
    • Usually, rubber hoses are used, but there are also metal mesh hoses.
    • It might sound rigid, but simply put, a brake hose is one of the crucial safety parts, and if it rusts or cracks, the braking performance will deteriorate.
    • That's why brake hoses need to be replaced periodically.
    • If you find any visible damage, you need to replace it immediately.
    • However, it's hard to check visually on a regular basis, isn't it?
    • However, since it is a crucial part of the braking system that stops your vehicle, not checking it regularly can put your life at risk.
    • Brake hoses, being made of rubber, deteriorate over time.
    • If you drive without noticing this, it might be too late when you finally do.
    • The deterioration of brake hoses is a consumable process and cannot be avoided.
    • However, most beginners probably think, "I understand that brake hoses need to be replaced regularly, but I don't know how often I should check them!"
    • So next, I'll talk about how often brake hoses need to be replaced!


[2. How often do brake hoses need to be replaced?]

    • Brake hoses deteriorate with continued use, so regular inspection is necessary. As mentioned earlier, if you don't notice brake hose deterioration and leave it as is, it can lead to serious accidents and potentially cost lives.
    • To avoid this, if there are cracks or visible damage to the brake hose, it must be replaced immediately.
    • Brake hoses are consumable items and have a lifespan.
    • They must be replaced before their lifespan is up.
    • As a guideline for when to replace brake hoses, we recommend replacing them after the motorcycle has traveled more than 40,000 km or after about 3 years of riding.
    • If your motorcycle has traveled more than 50,000 km or you've been riding it for more than 3 years, you should replace the brake hoses!
    • What I've just explained are general guidelines.
    • They don't apply to everyone.
    • If you are concerned, it is recommended to have inspections and replacements performed earlier than the guidelines. For those who ride infrequently or moderately, following the replacement guidelines should be fine!

[3. What to watch out for when replacing brake hoses]

    • There are things you need to be careful about when actually replacing brake hoses.
    • The first step is to drain all of the brake fluid.
    • And when refilling the brake fluid, there is a possibility that air may enter.
    • To prevent problems with reduced braking effectiveness, be sure to bleed the air thoroughly.
    • Also, after installation is complete, it is important to check for any fluid leaks.
    • And make sure to route the brake hose along its original path to avoid compromising the motorcycle's handling!

[4. Items needed when replacing brake hoses]

    • When replacing brake hoses, you will need certain parts. Prepare these and proceed with the brake hose replacement.
    • Here, we will introduce the parts that should be prepared when replacing the brake hose, so please refer to them when performing the replacement!
    • Fittings
    • Fittings, which are parts attached to the brake hose, are often sold together with the brake hose, so there is not much need to prepare them separately. However, if you want to be particular about your choice, it is better to purchase them separately.
    • Clips
    • Clips that hold the brake hose in place can also break or deteriorate with continued use, so if you feel that the fastening has become weak, replace the clips as well.

[5. Brake hose replacement procedure]

    • This is what you all want to know most, right?
    • It's about how to replace a brake hose.
    • Up to this point, we've discussed how often brake hoses need to be replaced,
    • and what precautions to take when replacing brake hoses.
    • Now, I'll explain how to replace a brake hose.

Brake Fluid Air Bleeding

First, for those who don't know what brake fluid is, I'll explain.
Brake fluid is a liquid filled in the hydraulic system of hydraulic brakes, such as those in automobiles, and is also called brake oil.
Now that you know what brake fluid is, the first step in replacing your motorcycle's brake hose is to carefully bleed the air from the brake fluid!
Remove the cap, expose the nipple (a tube-shaped threaded part resembling a nipple, used to connect mechanical parts), attach an oil-resistant hose, loosen the nipple with a wrench, and drain the brake fluid. Once it stops coming out, tighten the nipple.

Drain the brake fluid

The next step is to drain the brake fluid.
Remove the master cylinder (a device that converts the force of stepping on the brake pedal into hydraulic pressure) cap, then attach a syringe to the hose connected to the nipple to drain any remaining brake fluid.
Once all the fluid is drained, remove the hose.

Install a new brake hose!

The final step is to install the new brake hose!
Pour brake fluid from the master cylinder side, and repeat the process of adding more fluid as it runs out.
When you squeeze the brake lever, air bubbles will appear in the master cylinder, so slowly squeeze the brake lever repeatedly until they disappear! Once a certain amount of bubbles have come out, close the caliper rubber cap and repeat the process of refilling and squeezing many times until no more bubbles appear.
This completes the brake hose replacement!
That concludes the explanation of brake hose replacement!

[6. Finally]

    • In this article, I have taught even beginners how to easily replace motorcycle brake hoses!
    • For motorcycle beginners, to eliminate as many unknowns as possible, I started by explaining brake hoses, then discussed how often brake hoses need to be replaced, and then
    • I discussed precautions to take when replacing brake hoses.
    • Then I explained the items needed for brake hose replacement, and finally, I thoroughly explained the brake hose replacement procedure.
    • Since it's aimed at beginners, I've also included explanations for very basic technical terms, so I think the content is easy to understand.
    • Please don't be lazy about replacing your brake hoses just because it's troublesome and costly!
    This is a matter of life and death, so please proceed with the utmost care!
Back to blog