Spiegler stainless lines swappers question (non ABS '02)

[Keppelj]

On the front brakes a stock rubber line runs from the MC to a cast aluminum union (with a bleeder and unused connection) screwed to to the frame under the tank. Another line goes from there to the splitter on the forks for the two calipers. Spiegler provides a single long braided line which I assume is intended to run directly from the MC to the splitter bypassing the union that may have been for ABS. If that sounds right does it matter what I do with the bypassed union bleeder thingy?

[towerworker]

You're right.....the union under the tank allows for an ABS system. I guess BMW made them all the same way whether it has ABS or not. My '04 used to have ABS and that fitting had just what you thought. Actually two unions...one set to abs pump and another line back to union and then down to wheel calipers. And by all means ditch those rubber lines ASAP. They are an accident waiting for a time and place!

[Keppelj]

Thanks, Towerworker, the stainless lines are in, calipers purged of old fluid. Pretty straight forward really. We have 53 degrees in the PNW this morning, but wind gusts to 60+. A test ride will have to wait!

[AZBMWRIDER]

I had the original OEM rubber brake line fail at the upper line that goes from the ABS splitter / union to the right fork leg .
The line broke at the metal fitting .
After looking at it, when I turned the forks to the left to lock the front steering, the line was tensioned .
So, I make sure I turn the steering to the right before locking it .
I installed Spiegler lines after the front line failed, these lines have a unique feature, you can turn the fitting to relieve any twisting on the line during installation .
They are a bit more costly than other brands, but I've got them on all my bikes .
They also will rework airhead rotors into semi-floating for about the same cost of a replacement rotor, they are steel, not stainless .

[Keppelj]

Yes, being able to rotate the banjos is a help. While they worked fine overall, I found a couple of the stainless lengths could be tweaked. The rear is a little long making an "S" shape which required safety wiring it in the bracket on the swing arm to keep it from rubbing the metal surface. Also the short one on the left fork between the caliper and the hard line above wants to pull the top joint out of the chrome fixture on the fork. I like having the single longer line that skips the ABS connection under the tank.

[sweatmark]

Thanks, Towerworker, the stainless lines are in, calipers purged of old fluid. Pretty straight forward really. We have 53 degrees in the PNW this morning, but wind gusts to 60+. A test ride will have to wait!

Sounds like my PNW today... Where are you located?

For the brake line from master to Telelever run: make sure the line has natural flex with suspension compression.

[Keppelj]

I'm up in Bellingham. That was the most dramatic storm I remember here. Eighty-one mph recorded in town, 109 up on Mt Baker. There was no sleeping through it! On radar it was big, probably we both caught it. Pretty clear today though so I'll test the bike. Thanks for the tip on the front line. Hadn't thought of that.