23 replies to this topic

[smurfomatic]

The front brake bleed nipples on my car are seized - and are now pretty much rounded off too. I've been using PlusGas to try and loosen them, but no movement at all. Does anyone have any suggestions? I'm hoping there's some ingenious method I've not thought of that doesn't involve stripping the hubs off and drilling them out...

[croc7]

Since you’re going to have to replace the brake cylinder anyway, why not just cut off the bleed valve and replace the brake cylinder/new bleed valve?  

 

Edit;  Sorry, I assumed that they were drum brakes. If they are disc brakes, removal of the calipers is fairly straightforward and frilling them out probably is the answer.

Edited by croc7, 22 April 2023 - 06:43 AM.

[Ethel]

Discs or drums?

 

Removing disc calipers isn't too much hassle...

[smurfomatic]

Sorry, forgot to add they are twin leading shoe drum brakes. I thought it would mean replacing the brake cylinders, unfortunately that'll have to wait until I have more time & money!

[DeadSquare]

Presumably the car is off the road ?

[sonscar]

If the cylinders are good then dismantle them and weld a nut over the stripped nipple.Be careful and they will come out.Steve..

[smurfomatic]

Presumably the car is off the road ?

 

Yes it's off the road, was supposed to be going to a car show today but can't drive it with dodgy brakes!

 

 

If the cylinders are good then dismantle them and weld a nut over the stripped nipple.Be careful and they will come out.Steve..

 

Cylinders are ok, and my welding skills aren't up to that, so if I've got to strip it out may as well replace the cylinders etc. at the same time. 

[DeadSquare]

 

Presumably the car is off the road ?

 

Yes it's off the road, was supposed to be going to a car show today but can't drive it with dodgy brakes!

 

If you were intending to use it today, I'd call that "On the road", ---but not road worthy, Lol

 

It sounds as though you will not have tried removing the brake pipes from the cylinders, which may be seized to, also, the connecting pipe between the two cylinders sometimes seizes in the ferules.

 

If you pinch the rubber hose with the proper clamp, (or Mole-grips), you can find out which side is dodgy, which might save you the cost of doing both wheels at the same time.  Not recommended, but can get you out of a hole,

 

I once clamped a rear hose and a friend did a a whole evening's rally with 3 wheel braking, but don't tell anyone.

[smurfomatic]

 

 

Presumably the car is off the road ?

 

Yes it's off the road, was supposed to be going to a car show today but can't drive it with dodgy brakes!

 

If you were intending to use it today, I'd call that "On the road", ---but not road worthy, Lol

 

It sounds as though you will not have tried removing the brake pipes from the cylinders, which may be seized to, also, the connecting pipe between the two cylinders sometimes seizes in the ferules.

 

If you pinch the rubber hose with the proper clamp, (or Mole-grips), you can find out which side is dodgy, which might save you the cost of doing both wheels at the same time.  Not recommended, but can get you out of a hole,

 

I once clamped a rear hose and a friend did a a whole evening's rally with 3 wheel braking, but don't tell anyone.

 

 

As it's a second car, now only used for days out in the summer, I'd rather get the brakes sorted out properly! I'd imagine all the connections will be equally seized, so I'll have to order new hoses and link pipes too. Not going to the car show today gives me a chance to chill out after a busy week anyway...

[bpirie1000]

Apply heat to the blighter

[smurfomatic]

Apply heat to the blighter

 

Tried that too, unfortunately they're being very stubborn - so going to pull the whole damn lot out and replace! New cylinders, gaskets, bolts, bridge pipes and hoses awaiting my next paycheck.

Edited by smurfomatic, 22 April 2023 - 07:42 PM.

[bpirie1000]

At least that way you know all will be good for at least the next year.....

Remember wire brush and some paint for the back plates. Also grease for the brake adjusters...

[DeadSquare]

Wrap 2 turns of PTFE plumbers tape round each hose, pipe nipple, anti-clockwise, so that it doesn't ruck as you screw them up

[Ethel]

Wrap 2 turns of PTFE plumbers tape round each hose, pipe nipple, anti-clockwise, so that it doesn't ruck as you screw them up

 

That's a brilliant idea, so obvious I didn't think of it.

 

Not only will it help prevent them seizing, it should reduce leakage around the thread making them function better too.

[bpirie1000]

Well if you are wanting tips for fitting then try this..

A must use tip...


https://www.theminif...the-shifty-way/