Topic: Did you ever see a braided brake line fail?

[HawaiiMike]

As I wait for a few more parts to arrive for my CB550, I'm doing some checks on the bike.  This morning I grabbed the front brake and saw/heard a spraying sound.  I wasn't sure where it came from so I pulled the brake lever again.  The braided brake line, where it runs along the front fender - has sprung a small leak!  I guess it scraped against the fender one too many times.  I don't know the age of the line as it was already on the bike when I bought it a few years ago.

This particular line seems to be handmade.  It has those fittings that screw onto the hose.

Any suggestions on where to buy a new braided line?  I just need the line going from the caliper to the junction as I already replaced the upper line (which was the old rubber one).

If I can't find a supplier who sells the line with fittings maybe I'll use the old fittings and buy some brake line.

[turboguzzi]

if it was badly routed then moving parts can rub throught the braided steel after a while.

teflon tube wrapping can avoid that.

if you do reuse your own fittings, at least take the finished tube to a shop to have it tested under pressure, this is not something you want to play hit and miss with.

TG

[Duke McDukiedook]

It happens, SS braided are destructible.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=54790.0 Fellow member.

[knowsnothing]

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=54790.0

EDIT:  Someone beat me to it 

[HawaiiMike]

Thanks I just e-mailed him.

[crazypj]

I was an MOT tester in Britain for a number of years.
I've seen them fail a few times, doesn't matter where they are made or how well/badly they are routed.
 Stainless work hardens over time/flexing and eventually a strand will wear through Teflon/nylon liner.
 Doesn't really seem age related, more a operating thing, high mileage on bumpy roads seems to make them fail quicker.
 they still last around 5~7 yrs on 'average' mileage bikes, just check for loose strands when you think of it (if one is sticking out, god chance one is sticking in)
 BTW they are VERY sharp and will tear your hands up

[754]

I got one that still works after 30 yrs.

 I did break/wreck one at Sturgis one year, cant remember what happened or what failed. I went to an airport to fix it got a fast black line with greenyyellow anodized ends!!

 Then I ordered a blockoff cap from Earls, to fit on my Tee, if a line blew.. Carrying that around everywhere, insures it does not happen.. .. or so it seems..

 The ones I absolutely hate, and will never run.. the braided crimped to steel tube ends..... one jerk at a bar, and you got a useless brakeline..

[scottly]

I got one that still works after 30 yrs.

Mine are over 31 years old, no problems so far.