Author Topic: Can't find rigid rear brake lines  (Read 1878 times)

Offline texasmoto

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Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« on: February 14, 2025, 03:04:27 PM »
I'm working on the rear brakes of an 850 T3 as part of a restoration. I'm struggling to find the rigid steel lines available anywhere.

I've never, ever had good luck with pipe benders and flaring tools so I really don't want to do a DIY version. Does anyone have any idea where to buy the replacement lines? If I can't find these my plan is to mentallly "file them under 'r' for arrivederci" and finish the restoration. Then I'll just ride it to a shop on the front brakes and have them build the lines. Rear brakes are an optional accessory anyway, right?  :wink:

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Offline guzzista

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #1 on: February 14, 2025, 04:03:36 PM »
My local Napa Auto parts store has pre-made metal  brake lines in various lengths starting at 12 inches long in both metric and standard end fittings. IIRC the rear is just about 12 inches long  The tube  size is 3/16 /4.76 mm OD and the fittings are 10mmX1  .With some careful hand bending you could copy the original one. T3's linked brakes in stock form so the rear is not just  optional in that case
« Last Edit: February 14, 2025, 04:54:40 PM by guzzista »
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Online Antietam Classic Cycle

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #2 on: February 14, 2025, 04:06:20 PM »
Charlie

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #3 on: February 14, 2025, 04:51:49 PM »
If you have the old one then take it to a hydraulic hose shop.  They should remove and retain your original threaded ends.  They will duplicate the rigid tubing and its bends and add flares as necessary.  Did just this for my EV.

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Offline guzzisteve

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #4 on: February 14, 2025, 05:58:51 PM »
I got mine from Summit Racing, got to bend  it, got a box of fittings too. Simple!
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Online moto

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #5 on: February 14, 2025, 09:19:13 PM »
The OP referred to two pipes or rigid lines. MG Cycle also has the other, shorter one attaching to the rear brake caliper:

https://www.mgcycle.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=110_114&products_id=3242

Since he is referring correctly to two rigid lines, Texasmoto must know about the integral system!

Moto
« Last Edit: February 14, 2025, 09:45:57 PM by moto »
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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #6 on: February 14, 2025, 10:24:22 PM »
By the way (and you didn't ask) stainless flexible brake hoses/lines are the cat's pajamas if you are ready to replace the originals. My T3's integral brakes use them and mushiness is completely gone -- hard as steel.

MG Cycle is out of stock but Crusty has them:

https://www.crustycycle.com/products/moto-guzzi-stainless-steel-brake-line-hose-kit-for-850-t3?_pos=1&_sid=9575e2ec2&_ss=r

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Offline jhem68

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #7 on: February 15, 2025, 06:46:05 AM »
 I agree with Moto that the kit he suggested is the way to go (I installed them om both my SP and Convert with in the last two years) however it does not replace the original rigid lines.  I would contact MG Cycle and see if  they are going to restock their inventory in the near future. Perhaps there needs to be enough demand to justify the restock and one more might move the needle. Otherwise I would be looking at the usual overseas suppliers. Shipping costs are probably the issuue,

    Mmmmm, appears both rigid lines are in stock as Charlie and Moto pointed out, Should be good to go. I had to replace the long one on the SP. Rounded the flare nut trying to get the original nut loose.


John H
« Last Edit: February 15, 2025, 07:06:17 AM by jhem68 »

Offline texasmoto

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #8 on: February 15, 2025, 10:13:45 PM »
Thank you for your responses. I think flexible stainless hose is the way to go.

I am going to run delinked brakes so will just run one hose from the oem master cylinder to the caliper.

Offline jhem68

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #9 on: February 16, 2025, 06:56:45 AM »
 I almost went that way when I rounded the flare nut on the SP.

Magnum BYO products from MG Cycle are a very good way to get that part of the job done. I've used these products on several of my Guzzi's.

The only other issue is sizing the master to slave cylinder ratio correctly for maximum effect and feel.

Give us a follow up when you complete your project.

John H

Offline bronzestar1

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Re: Can't find rigid rear brake lines
« Reply #10 on: February 20, 2025, 04:38:11 PM »
Thank you for your responses. I think flexible stainless hose is the way to go.  I am going to run delinked brakes so will just run one hose from the oem master cylinder to the caliper.

I delinked the brakes on a '98 EV I used to have.  Took some doing, but it's not rocket science, and I used s/s braided lines.  However, whichever master cylinder did the majority of the work on the linked setup (I'm thinking rear?), you might have to change due to pedal feel.  When I did mine, the rear brake pedal felt like I was stepping on a block of wood. 

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