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My question isn't how to the route the cable, more how do I ensure that brake fluid doesn't spill all over the inside of the frame when removing and replacing.
Surely I don't need to completely drain the hose first..
Do I? Must be an easy way of sealing one end first..
If not I may just externaly route the new brake, but I still have to remove the old one (although I'm less worried about mineral oil sloshing about in the frame and I'm removing shimanos)
Shimano you can normally disconnect at lever and reconnect without needing to bleed.
That's great to know, but surely the fluid will still come out?
I need to plug the end somehow.
With the hose still connected at one end there will be next to no fluid leaking from the hose. It isn't really an issue anyway as is will do no damage. Dot fluid will damage paint if it's left on it but clean off any leaks and you'll be fine.
I use a reverb barb tool when replacing brake lines internally. Connect both new and old lines together. Pull the new line in when removing the old, connect up and bleed it. Job done.
New bikes with Shimano brakes often come with the lever separate but with lever and hose pre-filled. The barb has a small cap of paint over the hole which is just scraped off prior to connection.
Shirley a bit of electrical tape or similar would work for sealing hose
Tipp-ex would probably work. Brush it on. Wait until it hardens. Feed hose. Scrape off. Reconnect.
It’s a 2 minute job to drain them and it will be easier, need to be bled anyway.
Otherwise wrap of electrical tape or if you have a reverb there’s a little red cap they come with you can use.