Replacing front brake line

I've been looking to replace the front brake lines on my '82 XJ550 after reading thru some of the threads that strongly advised it. After doing some browsing online myself I've discovered prices everywhere from $60+shipping up to over $130+shipping. I was wondering if anyone could explain the difference and possibly make a recommendation on where to get one? I'm just looking to make sure my machine is safe obviously but don't want to overpay not knowing what I'm looking for.

 

I used this one from Amazon


https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00ROSMD1K/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1


Areyourshop 55cm/22" M10 Brake Oil Hose Line Banjo Fitting Stainless Steel Swivel End………….by Areyourshop


$11.99 free shipping (I cut the black rubber thing off) works fine. Be sure to order the correct length for your bike.

 

GO to top right of this page click on xj4ever ..Len sells the Correct brake lines and crush washers ...yes price is higher , but is your life worth cutting corners to save a couple of dollars? He has replacement rubber and stainless braided brake lines. His service is fantastic.

 

I recently replaced mine with steel braided lines from Len (Chacal - XJforever). While you can find them cheaper, the lines he sells fit perfectly and he supports his products. I'm about the thriftiest person you will find, but it is worth any slight difference in cost to get parts that fit perfectly and are high quality.

 

I ordered some from Z1 Enterprises yesterday, they are a "build your own" sort of kit. People seem to like them.

 

Len is the man when I order from him I feel like I have a "buddy" Since I have my carbs straightend out ( xj4ever new carb parts) New brake lines will be my next big purchase and he will get my business .

 

+1 on getting them from Len at XJ4Ever. They are already made to fit your bike and work great.

 

+1 on getting them from XJ4Ever. You know they will fit properly, and be quality, if you do.

Amazon and Ebay...maybe they fit, maybe they don't.

 

Many times the difference in price has to do with the lines being DOT compliant or not. DOT testing requirements for burst pressure are pretty strict, and generally having that DOT compliance mark is absolutely necessary if you live in a state with annual inspections.
I got my brake lines from Chacal because the lines he sells are fullly DOT compliant.
Other brake lines will likely meet DOT spec, but most won't have been tested and certified, so there is no guarantee of that being true.

 

I appreciate all the input guys. I totally get buying from somewhere you know they are going to fit. That is worth it to me. So this may sound like a dumb question but how do I actually purchase from this xj4ever? I went thru the catalog and found the price but unsure where to go from there(pardon my ignorance but I'm brand new to the group)

 

Go to the top right of the page and go to your Inbox and then start a conversation with Chacal. He'll give you a quote and instructions on how to pay and any other information you need.

 

Welcome aboard. Start a conversation with member Chacal. Do you plan to rebuild the m/c and caliper?

Gary H.

 

My brake lines from XJ4Ever came with instructions!

 

Everything from xjever come with instructions. Len tells you what it is, other available options, how many you'll need and where/how it (they) install. I'm glad he's here.

Gary H.

 

All the parts I have ordered from xj4ever have been spot on fit and finish..I can't beileve some of the "junk" parts on ebay someone was selling old brake lines recently...buy the best from xj4ever

 

The caliper seems to be in working order. Is the m/c something that will change braking performance? I had to bleed the brake already and did notice the diaphragm piece is pretty whipped so I will need to replace that at a bare minimum. Thanks again for the help

 

Although they appear in good order, the recommendation from knowledgeable people here is to rebuild the M/C and replace the seals on the calipers. I wasn't going to do the seals until it was highly recommended to me. They will be done this weekend. It doesn't matter if you can go over 100 mph if you can't stop safely.

 

Preach it, I've been frustrated with parts from other sites that were supposed to be like OEM and supposed to be compatible for my bike. I guess compatible can be interpreted loosely on the internet.

Len/Chacal has the correct part for your specific bike.

 

I'm just going to throw my $0.02 in here....and no offense to Len/Chacal I have bought numerous products from him and have never been disappointed and recommend him whenever I can. BUT, for brake hoses I found a guy in Holland Michigan, Nick at Brake Hoses Unlimited (www.brakehosesunlimited.biz) who makes custom stainless hoses at an incredible price....he did my Yamaha Venture for less than $150 (lowest I could find anywhere was $300+ and he included clutch hoses for free!), he also made hoses for the 550 Seca I was working on for less than $45....
I had to send him my hoses so he could duplicate them, so that added some time and expense....but his work is spot-on.
I wouldn't hesitate to call him if I needed another set...616-836-7885
One last thing, if you don't rebuild/replace your master cylinder and calipers you've just moved the next weak link to those items...if they're also 30+ years old, they're in just as bad a shape as the hoses. You'll be amazed at the difference a completely rebuilt system makes....when people say Night and Day....it's true.

 

+1
Rebuild the whole system.
Suppourt a local business if they can get you what you need.
If a local place can't then head directly to Chacal.

 

I consider Chacal/XJ4Ever a local business since he and this forum are such a helpful community of friends and members. I don't really "know" anybody on here but I do know that if I need help, information or parts, this is the place that I'll find them.