Topic: Braided stainless brake line - where to get supplies?

[timtune]

I'm looking to make up braided stainless brake lines for project and want to source compression fittings and line.

What is the standard line size and where can I get the individual components? Canadian supplier preferred if possible.

Thanks

[corky]

Hi there,

Apex brakes has an option to custom make brake lines, and I believe they are located in Canada.  I have had them make some lines for my GL1000, and they turned out really nice, and have lasted 5 years and have had no problems yet.

http://www.apexbrakes.com

I can't help you with the fitting type, unfortunately.

Thanks,
Daniel

[Don R]

 Most speed shops have pre made hose and fittings, -3 is the size I think 3/8 = 10 mm on banjo fittings. Threads are 10mm x 1.25 or 1.5 I forget which.

[timtune]

Thanks guys.

I'm actually interested in line by the foot and separate fittings so I can make my own lines. When they're wrong I want to know who to blame.

[Stev-o]

Personally, I would order from Apex but you can purchase hose and fittings here...

http://www.tcbroschoppers.com/custom-stainless-braided-brakeline-kit-5ft.html?gclid=Cj0KCQiAtJeNBhCVARIsANJUJ2GXDde-F8XPnOh3ad9_k1XyjeXhqvWUR6iTyQMU8xqiIiXpqkHEjGUaAqpfEALw_wcB

[spotty]

years ago i had a mechanic friend make me up lines from hose and fittings, they were great ( except i forgot to get the clear hose to cover the amazingly abrasive braided bits ) they fitted exactly and improved the sh1t brakes on the vmax no end

however several months of trouble free operation later i was exiting a freeway at some speed over the limit, went to grab a handful of front brakes at the beginning of the turn and ...nothing - the fitting on one side had unscrewed at the caliper end of the line. brown trouser time. luckily the rear brake was enough to get me out of the situation but not fun. much slower rest of ride home

not saying anyone did a bad job, they had been great for months, but they obviously need checking regularly, which isn't something that normally gets done with pre-made lines

[Tracksnblades1]

Our local supplier for hydraulic, fuel, air, hoses of all kinds crimps them on your old brake line fittings here.
SAE is SAE…..

They can make your oil lines too…

[WhyNot2]

ordered mine from 4into1.....!

absolutely satisfied.

[timtune]

ordered mine from 4into1.....!

absolutely satisfied.

Was that premade lines or individual components?

[BenelliSEI]

Raymond at Apex. Flawless work. Any colour.

[Tintop]

I've made many brake lines (& oil lines) using Aeroquip products, never had a failure.  Any place that makes hydraulic hose will have hose & fittings.  Just Google 'Eaton Aeroquip'. 

[desertrefugee]

years ago i had a mechanic friend make me up lines from hose and fittings, they were great ( except i forgot to get the clear hose to cover the amazingly abrasive braided bits ) they fitted exactly and improved the sh1t brakes on the vmax no end

Speaking of sh1t Vmax brakes, I did this conversion this past spring. The Tokico calipers were used on the GEN1 Hayabusa. I also went to braided steel lines at the same time. This is an incredible upgrade. Highly recommended for the Gen1 Vmax.

The shot is just after the install and after I had discovered that cheaping out and not replacing the copper crush washers left me with a leak on one side. Pissed me off enough to order the stainless lines that I don’t have handy photo of right now.

With these calipers coupled with stainless lines, I’ve been practicing my stoppies.

[spotty]

thats exactly what i did to mine, after going with 4 piston early GSXR calipers, i also used the busa m/c's after trying the original vmax m/c, works heaps better. the clutch side wasn't necessary but it matches the brake one now

you're right though, a massive improvement along with the 312mm R1 discs that bolt straight on

did you make your own adapters or buy the ones from the guy in california ( mike ? ) who sells laser cut plates that bolt straight up ?

i've often wondered if a busa caliper could be used on the back with one of those adapters ?

i always use new crush washers , rather than buying m/c specific ones bags of alloy 10mm ID washers can be had on ebay for about the same as one proper one from a shop and all the braided lines i've had off ebay have been fine ( as long as you measure the length properly...)

( apologies for the thread hijack )

[desertrefugee]

My adapters came from Sean Morley out of Kansas.

With regard to the stainless lines, unless you've fabbed them many times and have the proper tools for crimping the ends on, I would always opt for the professionally made units. Too many horror stories like the above in my mind to risk it. Braking is something I take very seriously. Your brakes are only as good as the weakest link.

[spotty]

that's the  guy..( mike from California ?)

the lines i had built had screw up ends, hence why they came apart when I least expected it, they're still in a bag in the garage to remind me not to do that again

[timtune]

I made up lines for my KZ650 i the past from hose and fittings. Worked fine. Just need to line up the bits.

[WhyNot2]

ordered mine from 4into1.....!

absolutely satisfied.

Was that premade lines or individual components?

pre made, ordered by the set. Like 60 bux,