RPM Parts Update

[racerrad8]

The latest batch of parts & products added:

Aluminum Banjo Bolt Crush Washer.
Copper Banjo Bolt Crush Washer.
Noco Genius G750 Battery Charger.
Noco Genius G1100 Battery Charger.
Noco Genius G3500 Battery Charger.

And finally, RPM now has the square cut o-ring that goes between the brake caliper halves when rebuilding.
Square Cut Brake Caliper O-Ring.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

Randy & Family - RPM

[Pat Conlon]

It should be noted that anyone with Spiegler lines should use the aluminum crush washers. (per Spiegler)

[Mike 86 in San Dimas]

Did I mention RPM service cant be beat!!

[4everFJ]

It should be noted that anyone with Spiegler lines should use the aluminum crush washers. (per Spiegler)

You should always use aluminum washers if the end fittings are made of aluminum.

[FeralRdr]

Why so?

[FJmonkey]

Why so?

See chart on page 4, Alum with Copper vs. Alum with Alum.

http://www.pdhonline.org/courses/s118a/s118content.pdf

[FeralRdr]

Thanks for the info Monkey.

Looking at the chart in question, I'm wondering what the original Banjo Bolts and Fittings were made out of as the OEM washers were copper.   



Or, does it really matter as I know that there was some type of coating on both original components.   

[FJmonkey]

Or, does it really matter as I know that there was some type of coating on both original components.   

It only matters if you are still using brake lines over 25 years old. 

What is the cost of new brake lines vs. bursting a line when you need to stop???

[Capn Ron]

Or, does it really matter as I know that there was some type of coating on both original components.   

Hey Greg...

Take if from the Cap'n...I've been dealing with galvanic corrosion on the sailboat and the struggle is real.  Mixing stainless, aluminum, bronze, cast iron, steel and brass all dancing in a salt water electrolyte is a battle.  I have seen keel bolt nuts that are the size of your fist look like someone took a bite out of them!     Not something you want to be constantly be battling with...so if you can reduce the dissimilar metals problem, you're much better off.

[FeralRdr]

Or, does it really matter as I know that there was some type of coating on both original components.   

It only matters if you are still using brake lines over 25 years old. 

What is the cost of new brake lines vs. bursting a line when you need to stop???

Take it easy Monkey, and have a snickers bar.  You've missed the point I was bringing up.

Or, does it really matter as I know that there was some type of coating on both original components.   

Hey Greg...

Take if from the Cap'n...I've been dealing with galvanic corrosion on the sailboat and the struggle is real.  Mixing stainless, aluminum, bronze, cast iron, steel and brass all dancing in a salt water electrolyte is a battle.  I have seen keel bolt nuts that are the size of your fist look like someone took a bite out of them!     Not something you want to be constantly be battling with...so if you can reduce the dissimilar metals problem, you're much better off.

Let me ask this another way, as I'm not questioning whether galvanic corrosion is an issue or not (yes, I believe it to be so).   First off, the OEM banjo washers were copper.  I've been under the impression that the FJ's OEM banjo bolts (and fittings as well) were steel.  Now according to Monkey's chart, copper has a high potential for a galvanic reaction with steel.  Aluminum would have clearly been a better choice over all, and preferred if the steel was galvanized.  If the banjo bolts or fittings weren't steel, then what would they have manufactured them out of to avoid a galvanic reaction.  Or, did they use some type of coating or treatment of the bolts and fittings (galvanizing or anodizing depending on the metal).  Second (to add to the confusion), some manufacturers are using stainless steel fittings and banjo bolts (Hel Performance and Galfer), and in those applications they are apparently using copper washers. Which by the way, is really not recommended by Monkey's Chart.   

I'm not trying to imply that anyone here is full of crap, I'm just trying to figure out why there seams to be a discrepancy in the information. 

[Firehawk068]

I have Galfer lines all the way around on my FJ.
The banjo fittings, and the bolts are stainless steel. The kits came with copper washers, and they have been on the bike 5-1/2 years. I haven't noticed any discoloring or corrosion present at all, nor do I imagine there ever will be.
Their kits with aluminum banjo fittings/bolts do come with aluminum washers.

I've worked on cars and bikes my whole life. I've taken apart countless calipers, brake lines, banjo fittings, etc......... from vehicles of all ages. (many having spent a great amount of time in a winter/road-salt environment, and have never seen any copper washers that were corroded to the fittings. Most oem stuff is either bare steel, or zinc plated/anodized steel with copper washers.

I imagine one would only have to worry if the machine spent it's whole life in a salt-air/damp environment, and some sort of electric current was passing through the junction.  If that was the case I think the copper washers would be the least of your worries.

[FJmonkey]

Take it easy Monkey, and have a snickers bar.  You've missed the point I was bringing up.

Let me ask this another way, as I'm not questioning whether galvanic corrosion is an issue or not (yes, I believe it to be so).

I'm not trying to imply that anyone here is full of crap, I'm just trying to figure out why there seams to be a discrepancy in the information. 

The OEM fittings had to be coated/finished with something as raw steel would rust way too fast. So your hunch is likely reality. The finish then allows for less reaction to corrosion. What Capn' Ron is fighting is the best test ground/water. Not just wet, but salty, nature's worst. Also consider that bikes are not marketed as water craft, they are most likely well cared for during the the warranty period and for some years after that. The owners that don't are not likely to complain if things rust.

That is my $0.02 after having a Snickers bar. 

[Capn Ron]

And to what Alan said as well...because I'm in the water...alongside a LOT of other boats, there is stray current (electrical) involved.  All things combined can make for a VERY corrosive environment.  Stuff most bikes wouldn't be exposed to...

[Ross1]

 This is (another) round of applause for RPM.
Randy et al are on a par with Len at XJ4ever (and that is very high praise, indeed)!
  Great customer service, fair prices and knowledgeable staff.
I wanted to put in an order for Spiegler SS brake lines (not in RPM's website cart, because of the multiple color choices).
  Spoke with Robert. While at it, he took the rest of my order while we were on the phone, so was able to answer questions that came up. 
Done in minutes, order went out to Spiegler, today.
Pleasure doing business with RPM.
                                                                        Ross

[racerrad8]

As RPM is now a Spiegler USA Dealer. We have now added the full line of FJ brake line kits to our website.

Spiegler USA

We have also added the new Air Gap Tool for those of you using the Dyna 2000 system on your bike.

Dyna Air Gap Tool

Robert - RPM