Front brake woes

[terryk]

Hello to a greatly talented group known as FJ owners.

I am dedicated to keeping a near FJ on the road until I stop riding, currently forecasted to be ~ 2037. This would make my FJ 50 years old when I retire from the street at nearly eighty years old. But we will see what modern science and luck brings our way and I may go longer than this current plan.

Here is my dilemma.

I was riding yesterday when the front brake went completely away, handle to grip and no braking action at all of any merit within a pretty short distance. I looked at the hose assembly when I got back to the garage using just the rear brake, gravity and the gears to control speed.
,
The front brake assembly was wet at the junction where the single hose splits into tow I believe.
Wet on the single hose but this could be dripping from above. Horn dripping, chin fairing soaked, front fender wet with brake fluid.

Note: I had just replaced the bulb and removed the horn before refitting the horn . I do not think I had any contact between the horn and the hoses so a cut from chafing is not likely. I am concerned that I somehow loosened up a fitting when I was mucking about in the general area replacing the bulb.

1) What is the best way to track down a leak without brake fluid in the system or do I need to fill the system with fluid and search for the leak that way ?

2) What should I consider for repair or replacement options for the stock hose.Keep rubber, upgrade to stainless steel wraps, any other options? Should I upgrade or not. Note, anti-dive valve is still connected.

Your opinions are valued.

[FJ111200]

Frightening. 
But if you say you're going to keep this bike, i'd upgrade to braided hoses or stainless steel wrap as you call it.
Forget trying to locate it, unless you can see the obvious and it's pissing out of the master cylinder.

[craigo]

Terry,

I will not be the last to tell you that you should have replaced those rubber hoses a long time ago. I will bet a dollar against donuts that that is your failure.

Buy and install a set of steel braided lines. I will bet another dollar that will fix your problem.

Ride Safe,

CraigO

[terryk]

  Yes, you are right Craigo, I am usually great on maintenance but somehow thought my hoses were going to defy physics.

My wife also pointed out that I am an idiot for not upgrading the hoses. THANK YOU SWEETIE, you are right again.

Lesson learned without too much of a penalty paid thank goodness, no twisted metal, broken plastic or broken bones. I have had those pesky broken bones on a few motorcycle occassions, I think I will try to skip these, been 15 years since my last get off. Broken shoulder blade, two broken ankles, skin left behind on the road. Now, AGATT including full leathers. Used to think everyone will eventually hit the road if they ride like you should, if you never hit the road you were never really riding hard, wrong minded of me and thinking different today.

[delarbreavous]

Hi Terrik,

Almost the same problem here!

I noticed some oozing around the Y connector on my 88 while preparing it to hibernate.

My intention is to replace all the lines with some Spiegler Stainless Steel Braided Brake Lines but I'm not sure
which one (2 lines over the fender, 2 lines alternative, 3 lines type950 fitting etc) and there is also the fact that spiegle does not offer the banjo fitting with an angle. I don't know if I can still use those lines! (I have the oem calipers).

Your opinions are valued.


Alain

[Mark Olson]

change the brake lines with the braided steel lines.  some body may still have the anti-dive steel lines till you upgrade .

[Dads_FJ]

This ebayer (from Canada too!) set me up with a set,  Custome lengths, differnent colors and almost any fitting/angle.  Great service...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-FZR400-CUSTOM-STAINLESS-STEEL-BRAKE-LINE-HOSE-/120845810749?hash=item1c22f8bc3d&item=120845810749&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

[terryk]

OK, made a decision.

1) I maintained the anti-dive. Yes, I know it is not a highly regrded piece of kit but I want to maintain a near stock appearance.

2) I went way overboard and purchased a kit from Spiegler. OK, hold onto the comments on price a bit as I wanted high quality and only want to do this once in a great while.

Front Kit - anti-dive, gulp, $184.95. No anti-dive -$109.75. Rear - $56.95.

I have never replaced brake lines on anything by myself so I will advise how it went.

[craigo]

Don't forget the crush washers. They are 10mm and need to be placed on each end of all the banjo bolts. They are cheap and can be bought at NAPA or most other autoparts stores.

I have a spare rear braided brake line if you need one. Just send me your address and it's yours.

Take care,

CraigO

[delarbreavous]

This ebayer (from Canada too!) set me up with a set,  Custome lengths, differnent colors and almost any fitting/angle.  Great service...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/YAMAHA-FZR400-CUSTOM-STAINLESS-STEEL-BRAKE-LINE-HOSE-/120845810749?hash=item1c22f8bc3d&item=120845810749&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

Thanks John,  I will look up their site.

Alain