Replace your old brake lines!
Posted: Fri Sep 22, 2017 10:44 am
I thought I'd share these pictures I found on a german forum.
The first photo shows new brake hoses just like the ones used on the Paso.
The second are brake hoses removed from an 18 year old BMW K1100. The K1100 was built from '92-'96 meaning that the brake hoses of your Paso are up to 10 years older!
The inner hose has disolved. These hoses might actually still work (somehow) and show no cracks on the outside indicating no obvious aging but in worst case scenario the brakes would not work when really needed or seize once pressure was applied locking up the wheel.
If the brake fluid wasn't changed in a long time it'll probably be black or at least dark but if replaced on regular basis its colour will not necessarily indicate the inner condition of the hoses.
All I mean to say is that just like noone should still be riding on Michelin tires noone should still be using the original and 25-30 year old brake hoses. The industry recommends replacing rubber brake hoses every 8 years which probably noone does. However after decades it must be done. Rubber becomes porous over the years and even if there are no fluid leaks air humidity can get into the system weakening brake performance.
Get over the 'I don't want to spend the money. They still look ok' and get some new ones. You'll notice the differemce of fresh brake hoses specially if they are steel braided ones which btw are not only better but may cost less than original rubber ones.
Finding those pictures I just felt this should be pointed out.
G.
The first photo shows new brake hoses just like the ones used on the Paso.
The second are brake hoses removed from an 18 year old BMW K1100. The K1100 was built from '92-'96 meaning that the brake hoses of your Paso are up to 10 years older!
The inner hose has disolved. These hoses might actually still work (somehow) and show no cracks on the outside indicating no obvious aging but in worst case scenario the brakes would not work when really needed or seize once pressure was applied locking up the wheel.
If the brake fluid wasn't changed in a long time it'll probably be black or at least dark but if replaced on regular basis its colour will not necessarily indicate the inner condition of the hoses.
All I mean to say is that just like noone should still be riding on Michelin tires noone should still be using the original and 25-30 year old brake hoses. The industry recommends replacing rubber brake hoses every 8 years which probably noone does. However after decades it must be done. Rubber becomes porous over the years and even if there are no fluid leaks air humidity can get into the system weakening brake performance.
Get over the 'I don't want to spend the money. They still look ok' and get some new ones. You'll notice the differemce of fresh brake hoses specially if they are steel braided ones which btw are not only better but may cost less than original rubber ones.
Finding those pictures I just felt this should be pointed out.
G.