Get lots of clean rags and put it under where you are working.
Get a plastic bag ready (heavy duty freezer bags are perfect)
strong tape Gaffers, Duct or electrical.
Have some denatured alcohol in a spray bottle or Starter fluid spray,I'll explain later. I personally like Motorex Power clean (not brake clean)
Make sure...
No distractions. Dogs, kids, TV anything.
The bike is cool, especially the brakes.
Put the bike in gear.
Make sure it is stable on the kick stand.
Put rags under the lever pump.
place larger rags on the wheel, fender, and just about anywhere you do not want the fluid to hit just in case the brake line flicks.
Turn the wheel all the way to the right.
The pump and the fluid tank will be easy to access and fairly level.
with the proper wrench, preferably a box wrench, loosen the nut holding the brake line banjo bolt to the pump.
Once loose carefully remove the bolt slowly.
Move the banjo fitting away carefully.
DO NOT TOUCH THE BRAKE LEVER<<<
at this stage you may see some fluid coming out.
If by chance the fluid hits something like paint or aluminum or anything
STOP
take the spray stuff i mentioned and dowse it well immediately.
This helps to neutralize the brake fluid and wash it away.
denatured Alc or Starter Fluid (ether) will not harm paint although it will strip any wax or grease from whatever it touches. Thats why I like Power Clean. It cleans and degreases but does not dry.
Now,
Put the small plastic bag over the banjo into the corner of the bag. Wrap and twist the bag firmly around the banjo and brake line.
3-4 inches is enough
Wrap some tape around to seal it.
Now you can move the brake line all around and reroute.
Careful not to break the bag. Sometimes I will cover it with a shop rag for added protection when routing through a tight spot that could break the bag.
Once done rerouting.
remove the bag very very carefully.
Soak a clean shop rag with the spray and wipe the brakee line and banjo clean.
Put the copper washer on the bolt
fit the banjo into the bolt
slip the other washer on
Carefully screw it back on.
Snug it but not too tight.
Position the line where you want it.
Move the wheel left right etc to make sure the line is not binding or catching.
Torque the bolt to spec.
Dowse the area with spray and wipe clean.
Throw away or wash rags that have brake fluid.
Bleed the brakes and you are done. (Brake bleeding is another thread)
All in all move slowly and be very very cautious. Stop and think it through if something looks iffy.
Brake fluid is a real PITA.
This method has worked for me for many many years. Never failed me yet.
Good luck
JC
