Seized Brake Bleed Nipple

[Dave M]

Usual problem with the front brake on my 550.

Has anyone fitted one of these? Will it fit?

It seems a good idea as I don't want to snap the existing nipple trying to remove it.

http://www.moto-racing.co.uk/item--Single-Banjo-Bolt-With-Bleed-Nipple--Banjo+Single+Nipple.html

[mick]

Looks like a good idea, you could be our guinea pig and report back after you have fitted it    cheers Mick.

[Dave M]

I think I'll have to replace the brake hoses first as the metal pipe that connects to the caliper doesn't have a banjo fitting.

[matthewmosse]

Yep, one of the 550k3's I had (stiil got, in bits) had one fitted, was once chrome but now just gungy looking but works well, far better then potentially wrecking the caliper by trying to extract the offending bit of metal. I've one caliper where last owner managed to break the alloy castinging exposing the thread down the side of the blled nipple. Possible to get welded if I was desperate..........
Bonus is the complete hose system can be replaced with 1 length of braided stainless (or 2 if you feel the need to keep the front brake switch) You can also get banjos with a brake switch built in wich work a treat.

[SteveD CB500K0]

My "Silver Machine" 500 has a single braided front line.

As long as your back brake light works, this is not an MOT issue.

[Dave M]

Does anyone know the size and pitch of the banjo?

[Bryanj]

If the bleeder threads are shot try this link

http://www.agriemach.com/product_info.php?cPath=cPath=44&products_id=842

To use a bajo + bolt the bolt has to have not many threads in the caliper due to the conical fitting that seals on the pipe M10 x 1.0 I THINK but dont hold me to it

[Dave M]

That looks interesting Bryan.

Am I right in thinking that you drill a hole in the caliper, tap it and screw one of those things in?

[pae]

My "Silver Machine" 500 has a single braided front line.

As long as your back brake light works, this is not an MOT issue.

Is that right? Even if it had one originally? (Not that most - any - testers would know whether my 650 originally had a front switch or not).

regards, Phil

[SteveD CB500K0]

Yes, I was slightly surprised as well.

If you have indicators fitted they MUST work, but as long as you have a brake light (and it doesn't matter which one), it's OK.

[matthewmosse]

The system my 550 had was a banjo bolt on master cylinder onto braided line. If you want a brake switch it is just a fancy banjo bolt which fits in master cylinder/ hose union just needs it's wires extending. On the caliper end the bleed/ banjo bolt combi just bolts into the caliper with as far as I know no tapping or drilling, leaving the stuck bleed nipple undisturbed. On the 500's and 550's they are old enough not to need both brake light switches for MOT perpouses. On newer machines, I think post 1985, then 2 switches are required due to some nasty construction and use regs. Also post 1985 machines need stamped, approved exhausts etc. Pre 1985 bikes are a Lot easyer to live with in this respect, less lights, no need for indicators / mirrors / only one brake light switch / exhaust just 'not deemed excessively loud' / not blowing, lights not needing to be so bright. Should have seen my 6 volt 'ped. I used to use push bike lights to actually see by!

[SteveD CB500K0]

exhaust just 'not deemed excessively loud'

This is the great debate and why you need an understanding, local MOT man.

I have a spare Motad which I could use, but I've never had a problem with old bikes and noise. The Rickman/Yoshi combo had the MOT tester drooling - he didn't give a stuff about the hooligan noise!

[james]

I've got one of those on my Z and it works perfectly, I've also got a double banjo brake switch on my honda ( i did away with the splitter and ran two lines from the m/c to the calipers) that works fine too!

[Bryanj]

Steve, my local tester has been jumped on by the man from the ministry who sez that the exhaust must be as quiet as a similar bike "IN STANDARD CONDITION" with a non rotted exhaust.

This relaces the BS number regulation---I had one customer argue that one till i pointed out the BS number he had was chrome quality NOT noise standard!!!

The only one i know that pass "out of the box" are Motad all the others require insertion of fiberglass!!!

[SteveD CB500K0]

the exhaust must be as quiet as a similar bike "IN STANDARD CONDITION" with a non rotted exhaust.

So the Rickman is OK then as in "standard condition" it came with a loud 4-1 (not like the earlier (orange, wire wheels) Rickmans that used std 4-4)