5 replies to this topic

[soopercooper]

Hi,

Am in the process of getting my '68 cooper back on the road after a few years in the garage. Went to bleed the front brakes, and found out that one of the nipples has just been replaced with what looks like a bolt and washer - looks to still have the remainder of broken nipple also, so not sure what's going on there, as you cannot get a tube over it with whats left protruding. So I though I'd just get a new nipple but it seems this 'bolt' is a larger thread size than a replacement nipple - i.e looks like somebody has cut a new larger thread in the caliper. So, can I get an oversized bleed nipple? or is it new caliper time? - rather not as being the original 7" disc setup, a seconhand caliper is rather difficult to come by. Or any other suggestions welcome!

Thanks

[Cooperman]

if it's only slightly oversize on the thread you can get a Helicoil thread insert fitted to take a standard bleed nipple.
Take the calliper off the car, remove the incorrect bolt and check it, or have a good machine shop check it for you. Don't take any chances with the brakes, of course.

[bmcecosse]

Sounds nasty........ either get it properly repaired, or chase up another caliper.

[Ethel]

Bleed nipples are available in quite a range of sizes, sure I've seen a website that specialisizes in 'em - really.

One of the craftiest "botches" I've picked up off the forum is to use a ball bearing and pipe union in place of broken bleed screws. The ball will be less fussy about the angle of the seat if you drill it away getting the old nipple out.

[dklawson]

I am one of the people who advocate the ball bearing fix. However, there are other options.

See the items in the links below.
http://www.truechoic...ber=BLEEDER KIT
and
http://www.amazon.co...7/dp/B0031721V0

These are kits that allows you to insert a new bleed screw complete with seat in a brake caliper. I have not used the item in the first link but I have used the one in the second link. With both products you drill and tap the caliper, thoroughly clean the threads, and Loctite the insert in place. When you are done you have a new bleed nipple and a new seat installed. I used one on a VW we owned. It worked well and saved me quite a bit of money.

[soopercooper]

I am one of the people who advocate the ball bearing fix. However, there are other options.

See the items in the links below.
http://www.truechoic...ber=BLEEDER KIT
and
http://www.amazon.co...7/dp/B0031721V0

These are kits that allows you to insert a new bleed screw complete with seat in a brake caliper. I have not used the item in the first link but I have used the one in the second link. With both products you drill and tap the caliper, thoroughly clean the threads, and Loctite the insert in place. When you are done you have a new bleed nipple and a new seat installed. I used one on a VW we owned. It worked well and saved me quite a bit of money.

Thanks everybody for the help. It may be that it's had the repair already that is in the amazon link, but has been snapped again - I need to take a closer look again and mull the options!