It started off easy enough and it probably went completely as planned... except...


I was using a MityVac to pull the brake fluid through the line, which actually works very well.  I drained all the old fluid first and I'm thinking it was probably what came with the bike in '98.  I've had it about 20 months and probably should've changed the fluid already but had been putting it off until I replaced the line.  That stuff was the color of maple syrup instead of more like white Karo like it should be.  Anyway, bleeding went well.  Replacing the line was a cinch.  Everything was included: new line, bolts and spacers for banjo fittings, etc.  The problem was that the bleed nipple seems to allow some air to seep past its threads when it's not tightened fully and using the MityVac created enough suction that it appeared I had a lot of air in my line and I was having a heck of a time figuring out how.  I kept checking the banjo fittings and, by the time I determined that all was okay and I was just seeing air pulled at the nipple, I had emptied a full bottle of Dot 4.  Oh well, it works and works very well.

I use the MityVac to bleed out my cars...same thing happens everytime...air passes through the threads right back in to the Vac appearing as though you've still got air in the lines.  I just have to keep in mind that there is actually very little fluid that is retained in the lines (low volume high pressure).  Once I've pulled more than 2 or 3 times this amount, I figure it's fine.  If you've got a hard pedal, you're good to go.  I like the MityVac because I'm almost always alone in my garage - just the way I like it!

911radioman wrote on 12/31/69 at 16:00:04:


I got it from HEL (http://www.helusa.com/) and was $49 with shipping included... but I'd forgotten Lancer also sells them.  Check with him to see what deals he can offer.

I got my line from HEL too. did not know Lancer sold them @ time but his price is comparable to HEL's (but his might not - understandably - include free shipping). I'd aLso check to see if he supples new bolts & washers (I understand it is really advisable to change the latter).

I bled my fluid (also looked very old) using the old fluid in a jam jar trick with friend operating the lever - seemed to go smoothly & easily/quickly enough.

KLX has an extra bleed nipple on the banjo bolt where it exits the master cylinder.

Clive W  

Sorry but photos may take a while(I use 35mm and scanner)
I bought it from BSR AEROTEK (www.bsr-aerotek.com)it is a banjo bolt with a tapped hole in the hex end for a bleed nipple.Look for Single(or Double) Bolt with Bleed Nipple.


Clive W  

Rob, did the new line make the braking effort noticably less?
More controllable ? Tell me all the good stuff that makes me need to do this, please..

In general, the normal rubber line will expand a bit when pressurized.  The braided line resists this and transmits more power to the brakes, instead of the line.  I can feel the difference.  It also looks better.