Swapping brake lines

[Jimmy2021]

Hi everyone,
On my bike I have the rear brake on right lever and I would like to have it on the left.
They're disc brakes.
Having very recently changed the brake oil, I would prefer not to do it again, so my question is:
Can I simply unbolt the brake lines at levers and swap them being careful not to drop oil or would i need new olives and inserts and then bleed the brakes?
Lines are of correct length to be swapped, so no need to modify them
Thanks

 

[bikeworkshop]

Give it a go unbolting and swapping.
I manage almost 100% success.

Keep the hose and lever ends facing up as much as possible, put a drip of the correct fluid on the ends and flick them gently to release any bubble formed.

Take care not to squeeze the lever or flip the hose when everything is open. I use a vice to hold the lever - an assistant would be helpful.
The excess fluid will seep out as you reinsert the hoses, so a rag is helpful.

You can always "do it properly" if the Olives don't crush down right.

One of the few jobs where a Torque wrench with crowsfoot is helpful

 

[Jimmy2021]

What's the correct torque for those bolts please?

 

[bikeworkshop]

You need the manufacturer, model name and Google, and there you have it.
Shimano, 7nM

 

[Jimmy2021]

Thanks.
Found it

 

[Cloverleaf]

What brakes are they? Presumably not ambidextrous levers? You should be okay if you're quick with it, or have someone to stick a gloved finger over the end of each lever while you faff. Any small amount of air that does get in you should be able to pump out, albeit if you turn the bike upside down there's a risk this air could end up in the hose again. Some brakes don't like the olives being unsettled but I've found SRAM and Formula to be okay, as are Hopes. Hayes used to be a nightmare and I've never had to do it that way on Shimano so couldn't tell you how malleable the olives are. It will also depend if they've been cranked down additionally previously as to how much remaining compression is left.

 

[Jimmy2021]

They're shimano BR-M525.
Ambidextrous you say...
Interesting, got to check it out when I get home.
Thanks

 

[Cloverleaf]

If it's Shimano then their levers are left and right specific.

 

[bikeworkshop]

If it's Shimano then their levers are left and right specific.

Not many aren't...

(I love a double negative)

 

[Cloverleaf]

I've not really thought about it closely before but I'd say it's about 50/50 given all SRAM/Avid stuff is, as are/were most Hayes and Formula. Hope Tech 2's were which makes me think Hope are mostly ambidextrous as I've use Tech 2's since 2008, but they're the exception rather than the rule (that and the original Hydro/Sport lever which you just rotated the master cylinder reservoir on). I don't think Shimano has ever made a non L-R lever setup. Funny how these design philosophies carry across brands so comprehensively for so long without it being overtly noticeable.

With a little thought I'm actually 50/50 across my bikes with discs; Formula RO, SRAM Guide x2, Avid Code, Hope Tech 2 V4 for ambidextrous, and Hope Pro C2, Hope Pro DH4, Hope Tech 4 V4 x2, Trickstuff Cleg for the L/R. We'll ignore any discussion about quality from the Formula and SRAM stuff that's in that list!