Just replaced the original rubber brake lines on a '97 R1100R since the right front had sprung a leak. That got me to thinking about the oil cooler lines. The originals are still on the bike. How often should these be replaced (before they break or leak)? Has anyone removed the OEM lines and taken them to a shop to have new rubber lines installed on the hardware?
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Oil Cooler Lines
- Thread starter mcrenshaw
- Start date
ANDYVH
New member
My 94 RS at 170k miles still has the original oil cooler lines on the bike. If they aren't leaking, don't mess with them, for a couple of reasons.
These hoses are not subject to repeatitive flexing/motion like the brake hoses. The cooler system is all very, very low pressure, so again very little stress on the hoses that would accelerate aging issues. The thermal cycling of the cooler system does age the hoses, but again since they are not subject to flexing, the heat induced aging has little affect on the life of the hoses. Now, if the coolers are removed, or moved due to a crash, then maybe would be a good idea to replace them. Other factor is enviromental, meaning ozone/sun exposure. If the bike has significant ozone/sun exposure (moreso on the R models) the outer layer of the hoses can age and crack, But even then, the inner tube will retain the fluid.
Secondly, no hydraulic hose shop can refit new hose to the current hose ends. The entire hose assembly has to be replaced. Also, the connection style is likely not common to most hydraulic hose shops. So best to buy replacement hose assemblies from a BMW dealer or get good used hose assemblies from a BMW salvage parts dealer like Beemer Boneyard.
These hoses are not subject to repeatitive flexing/motion like the brake hoses. The cooler system is all very, very low pressure, so again very little stress on the hoses that would accelerate aging issues. The thermal cycling of the cooler system does age the hoses, but again since they are not subject to flexing, the heat induced aging has little affect on the life of the hoses. Now, if the coolers are removed, or moved due to a crash, then maybe would be a good idea to replace them. Other factor is enviromental, meaning ozone/sun exposure. If the bike has significant ozone/sun exposure (moreso on the R models) the outer layer of the hoses can age and crack, But even then, the inner tube will retain the fluid.
Secondly, no hydraulic hose shop can refit new hose to the current hose ends. The entire hose assembly has to be replaced. Also, the connection style is likely not common to most hydraulic hose shops. So best to buy replacement hose assemblies from a BMW dealer or get good used hose assemblies from a BMW salvage parts dealer like Beemer Boneyard.
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