Switching SRAM hydraulic hoses over

IanRCarter
IanRCarter Posts: 217
edited July 2016 in Workshop
I bought a used cx bike recently and rather annoyingly, the brakes are the 'wrong way' - left is front, right is rear. I'd have no problem putting it right if they were cable brakes, but, unfortunately for me, they are hydraulic. I've been reading some of the manuals and watched the SRAM video on how to replace the hoses and it seems fairly straightforward, however, I was hoping I could use the existing hoses rather than spend £50 on new ones. The video involves removing the hose from the caliper but as I intend to keep the hoses, this doesn't seem necessary.

If I make sure the reservoirs are kept level, is it possible to unscrew the banjo from the shifter body, reroute the hoses and reinstall on the opposite shifter, followed by a bleed of the system? As you can probably tell, I'm new to hydraulics, but I prefer to learn how to do things myself rather than use the LBS.

Comments

  • mikenetic
    mikenetic Posts: 486
    You can disconnect and reconnect the hoses, although there's no guarantee they'll be the correct length, especially the front one if it's been done euro-style.

    The actual bleed process is pretty easy if you get the SRAM bleed kit - just watch for fluid spills, DOT 5.1 can damage paint.
  • IanRCarter
    IanRCarter Posts: 217
    mikenetic wrote:
    You can disconnect and reconnect the hoses, although there's no guarantee they'll be the correct length, especially the front one if it's been done euro-style.

    The actual bleed process is pretty easy if you get the SRAM bleed kit - just watch for fluid spills, DOT 5.1 can damage paint.
    Ah yes, I see what you mean about the front brake. Fingers crossed! Bleed kit should be delivered today so I'll give it a go.
    Thanks for the help.