Brake lines for forward controls - Harley Forum

03fxst · #1 09-27-2008, 08:45 AM

Hi guys
Just picked up a barely used Ness forward control kit. It contains both plates and the shifter linkage extension needed to move the controls ahead three inches. It ia niaaing the parts needed to extend the rear brake line. Anyone ever install the kit? What parts will I need to extend the brake line? Is it just some line or are there new fittings needed. My brake line has the thin metal tubing at the rear brake master cylinder.

Thanks
03FXST

frisco-rigid · #2 09-27-2008, 07:18 PM

Hey 03

Whatever the kit or individual parts used, extending a brake line, or really any line/cable, actually means replacing with a longer one..

The thin metal tubing is just the way that particular brake line is made, you do not need to Literally replace with an Exact duplicate..

After installation of kit, take a measurement and go to shop for new longer line.. Be prepared to bleed, brake fluid that is..

JayDee · #3 10-10-2008, 09:39 PM

Up - never extend a brake line, but you should be able to replace it with a longer one. You really don't want to mess with brakes if you don't have to.

03fxst · #4 10-23-2008, 10:59 AM

Lesson learned JayDee.
I did opt for the Ness replacement line but didn't quite bleed it enough after installing it. Tried first with a small vac pump meant for bleeding brakes but it didn't seem to work. It pulled some fluid through the new stainless line and into the cup but kept losing its suction, the guage would drop off quickly no matter how fast I pumped. The clear rubber hose seems a little too big for the bleeder valve. Went to the method in the shop manual and had my wife pump the pedal and then I would open the bleeder valve. Did that five or six times until it seemed like it was only fluid coming through so I tried a ride. Rear pedal travels almost the full stroke before grabbing, not good. It does grab well at that point and stops the bike but it is not safe to have to push it almost to the front tire. Any tips before I go back at it.

03FXST

frisco-rigid · #5 10-23-2008, 02:26 PM

Hey
I don't know what your book says but I bet this is similar..
If all you changed is the lines then this is a simple bleeding prob..

Open the master cylinder reservoir, make sure it doesn't run dry..
Put the correct size box-end wrench over the bleeder-valve..
Slip the correct size and length over-flow hose over the bleeder valve to direct the bled fluid into a container.. They willl both fit..

If YOU can reach the pedal and wrench at the same time YOU do the pumping.. It's better to feel it yourself..

Slowly depress the pedal several times until pumped-up and high, then,, keeping pressure on the pedal open bleeder until all fluid is expelled----close bleeder at end of pedal movement.. There is no majic to bleeding, just patience.. Slow and steady, sometimes many many many times to be absolutely sure cuz bubbles and air-filled fluid doesn't move quickly..

Watch reservoir, don't run dry..!!

03fxst · #6 10-27-2008, 07:08 PM

Thanks Frisco. That did it. The controls feel great, I am in a more comfortable position cruising but the brake pedal feels like it is too far to the left. My leg now hits the air cleaner cover so it may be that my leg is more out to the right. I might have to find a longer brake pedal or I might just get used to the new position and it will begin to feel normal.

03FXST

Sallrinez36 · #7 11-18-2009, 07:09 AM

The thin metal tubing is just the way that particular brake line is made, you do not need to Literally replace with an Exact duplicate..