OT-Brake bleeders

tomturkey · Aug 9, 2011

Is there a secret to getting them loose??? I know they recieve the brunt of salt snow water and dirt. Add some rust and they just don't wanna move. Is there a secret weapon to use? Just did not want to go thru the whole removal process to replace wheel cylinder when I just need the bleeder to work. Almost enough to make me quit wrenchin on my stuff. gobble

MarkB_MI · Aug 9, 2011

You can generally get them loose if you heat them just a bit with an acetylene torch. But beware: when the bleeder opens it will spew out very hot brake fluid, and it will give you a good burn if it hits you.

Dean · Aug 9, 2011

Animpact driver will probably work if you can get one onto the bleeder.

Use anti sieze once you get them loose.

I always anti sieze all bleeders when installing new cylinders.

Dean

Anonymous-0 · Aug 9, 2011

Ive found that bleeders ususlly are a pain to get loose. Like was said before, heat them with a acc. torch.A trick I was told years ago is whenever you heat anything like this ,its better to heat around the base of the bleeder and not concentrate on the bleeder itself. Heat it good once and then let it cool,then heat again before trying to break it free.the heating and cooling will make the bleeder loosen easer.Then put just a small ammount of pressure on the bleeder using a 6 point box wrench or a 6 point socket working back and forth to free the bleeder.If your lucky enough to get it loose,then we put anti- seize on it to help prevent further problems.maybe not the best way,Im sure a lot of people have different methods but this works well for us.If you have a couple of extra days ,you can try PB Blaster. Im sold on that product too.

onefarmer · Aug 9, 2011

Had some luck whacking them with a hammer. Seems to jar the threads enough to break em loose.

ASEguy · Aug 9, 2011

If you resort to a torch and heat the surrounding area hot enough to loosen the bleeder, BE PREPARED to blow that brake hose. It'll probably sound like a firecracker. I used to use a propane torch and the first and only time with my head under the fenderwell. When the hose blows you'll crease your head with the inside of the fenderwell. Bleeders, especially the smaller 5/16, don't work too well with too much heat. Try tapping on the bleeder with a small ball pien hammer similar to knocking hard on a wooden door. Soak it with penetrating oil and bee patient. Hope this helps. Gerard

60 acre hillside · Aug 9, 2011

I have had to bleed by loosening the hose. I know you do not get all of the air but it helps and the air will finally work out. I only did this on my own old trucks.

Jim in Ma. · Aug 9, 2011

Most times a good hex socket will work - Sometimes I have used a left twist drill to get them out.

old · Aug 9, 2011

Couple good rapes with a hammer most of the time is all it takes to get one to free up

Brian Jasper co. Ia · Aug 9, 2011

I take my air hammer and peen the metal around them slightly. I find I rarely have any trouble getting them out doing it that way.

36 Coupe · Aug 10, 2011

I keep bleeders covered with grease.Same thing for brake line connections.Grease can be wiped off.Just took the box off my truck to put on new spring hangers .A hydraulic line I replaced 4 years ago still had grease on the coupling.

rustyfarmall · Aug 10, 2011

(quoted from post at 17:23:44 08/09/11) Is there a secret to getting them loose??? I know they recieve the brunt of salt snow water and dirt. Add some rust and they just don't wanna move. Is there a secret weapon to use? Just did not want to go thru the whole removal process to replace wheel cylinder when I just need the bleeder to work. Almost enough to make me quit wrenchin on my stuff. gobble

The best cure is to simply replace the slave cylinder. Consider the safety of yourself, your family, and the other folks out on the road. If that bleeder screw is rusted in that badly, the rest of the brake cylinder is already compromised. THINK SAFETY FIRST!!!

OT-Brake bleeders

tomturkey

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MarkB_MI

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Dean

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Anonymous-0

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onefarmer

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ASEguy

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60 acre hillside

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Jim in Ma.

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old

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Brian Jasper co. Ia

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36 Coupe

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rustyfarmall

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