9 replies to this topic

[neiloliver]

I want to bleed the brakes on my 1975 850DL (Drums all round, single circuit). I have not done this before so just had a look this evening whilst checking the shoes and adjusting them. The nipples were rather covered in crud so I have cleaned them. I assume I open them by turning 3/4 of a turn like is says in the H manual but none of my imperial spanners fit. Are they metric?

Thank you
N

[sonikk4]

More than likely 7mm. You may find though they could be corroded in place so plenty of penetrating fluid will help here.

[KernowCooper]

They used to be 1/4 af but the rust could have changed that, if there that rusty then fit new is my advice

[tractor]

Get yourself a set of these

http://www.ebay.co.u...ke-pipe-spanner

Will save you a lot of heart ache

Trac

[sonikk4]

Thats if they are original. The new slaves i have fitted to the back of Paddy have 7 mm bleed nipples.. Too small by far.

[Pete649]

I would also recommend using a proper spanner for the job.

[neiloliver]

silly question, but how does the nipple work? (I was bottle fed). When i turn it, is it in two pieces or will it part unscrew from the cylinder itself?

N

[sonikk4]

It unscrews from the slave cylinder / caliper. It does not need to be fully unscrewed, only enough for fluid to bleed out in a steady stream when its opened.

[KernowCooper]

The bleed nipple has a tapered seat and backing it off slightly allows fluid to flow out the internal drilling

[neiloliver]

Thanks guys, now I understand