Busted bleeder

[Steve]

So I was changing the brake fluid today and all was going great,both rears done with no problems.Loosening the front right bleeder and it snapped clean off :facepalm: .
Is there an easy way to get the sucker out or will it be less hassle just to buy a new wheel cylinder.
I'd soaked all the bleeders in WD-40 overnight so this wouldn't happen and was being real careful not to strongarm 'em.With the fronts set at an angle thay are damn awkward to get your spanners on.I thought I'd ask on here before I tackle the left front whether there is a technique you use to loosening them off.

 

[V269]

Well, you could try an easy out bit but I'm not sure if you can get one small enough to get in there. You could also try to carefully drill it a little larger so you could get the easy out in it but you may have to take the wheel cylinder off to do this so it might be better to just but a new one. They are not much money anyhow. Just my :cents: Good luck Steve.

 

[abodybill]

Steve,

If your luck is like mine I would just buy anew wheel cylinder less then $10 and save yourself headaches. :yesnod:
:cents:

 

[Jim S.]

There are ways to do it, easy out, welding a blob on it, etc. Much easier to just get a new cylinder. They are pretty cheap. Use anti-seize on the bleeder threads.

 

[Big John]

Yea, new cylinder.

By the time you work at getting the old bleeder out, chances are you'll mess up the seat and it'll never seal anyway.

The only thing I've ever seen work for a stuck bleeder is heat. Heat the cylinder until (rule of thumb here) the brake hose blows off. Chances are good the bleeder will now work.

And yes... I have done that...

 

[droptop]

Make sure you try the other side before you go buy a new cyl. You might need to get 2 of them. :cents:

 

[generaljmwlee]

Yea, new cylinder.

By the time you work at getting the old bleeder out, chances are you'll mess up the seat and it'll never seal anyway.

The only thing I've ever seen work for a stuck bleeder is heat. Heat the cylinder until (rule of thumb here) the brake hose blows off. Chances are good the bleeder will now work.

And yes... I have done that...

I am guilty of doing that too

 

[Steve]

Thanks for the replies,new cylinders it is then.I've ordered for both sides as with my luck the other one is certain to break off too.

 

[ACME A12]

Thanks for the replies,new cylinders it is then.I've ordered for both sides as with my luck the other one is certain to break off too.

Good call. :cheers:

 

[Basketcase]

There are ways to do it, easy out, welding a blob on it, etc. Much easier to just get a new cylinder. They are pretty cheap. Use anti-seize on the bleeder threads.

X2
until the hose blows off...... never done that one... :basketcase:

 

[Steve]

Started work on the brakes today as my new cylinders arrived.I changed both flexi hoses too while I was at it.
One problem I've got though is the bleeder on new cylinder is a bit bigger than the old(see pics).I now can't get a clear plastic tube over the end to bleed as it is so tight to the knuckle,you can just about slide a peice of card between them when the bleeder is open 1/2 a turn.
The cylinder is the exact part number as the one already fitted so it looks like they upgraded to a stronger bleeder.Now I have to go to the local parts store to see if they have a shorter one.What a PITA.

 

[george68hemirr]

wow...some difference....good luck

 

[Basketcase]

damn , your garage looks as tight as your driveway!

 

[Jim S.]

I am in a somewhat similar situation but, not quite as bad as you. I commend you for working in such a narrow garage. I know what its like to have to angle the floor jack (without the extension handle) so it does not hit the wall. :worship:

 

[Steve]

Thanks Jim,yes it's just as well I'm slim and flexible,I'd love more space.
Had no luck tracing a small bleeder so I'm going to swap one from the rear to the front.Why does what should be a simple job sometimes turn into a long one

 

[Basketcase]

.Why does what should be a simple job sometimes turn into a long one quote]


don't feel like The Lone Ranger there Pal...just one of the "joys" of working on old cars..... :crazy:

 

[Roadcuda]

.Why does what should be a simple job sometimes turn into a long one quote]


don't feel like The Lone Ranger there Pal...just one of the "joys" of working on old cars..... :crazy:

Things I don't expect always seem to happen to me too! Sometimes I wonder why I even bother trying to do stuff on my cars! :jester: