PSA for January: Replace Your Brake Hoses!
Posted: Tue Jan 03, 2017 1:02 pm
I'm starting a new monthly series called PSA. Each month I want to take a look at high risk maintenance items for the XJ and discuss them in detail.
This month's topic is hydraulic brake maintenance and will focus on the Seca II's brake system.
Let's begin this discussion with hydraulic hoses. The youngest Seca II is 19 years old. Industry experts recommend replacing rubber brake hoses every 8-10 years, Yamaha recommends every 4. I'll bet most of us are still on original hoses. Often, these fail from the inside out. They can look good on the outside and still have micro cracks on the inside.
Since we are in the depths of winter in much of the US, now is a great time to inspect your hoses. Its an even better time to replace them. Stainless lines are under $100 for the XJ and you'll love the improved feel.
Homework time: Lets start with the hoses. I want you to go out to your XJ, use a flashlight, and inspect the hoses. I also want you to post photos of what you find, good or bad.