How To Remove Brake Bleeder Screw

Every skillful technician has to bail themselves or someone else out of a jam once in a while. For instance, in brake service, you may have to bargain with a broken bleeder screw. Typically, if a vehicle comes in with a fractured bleeder, you lot'd include the price of the caliper on the estimate. On the other hand, what do y'all practice when 1 of your techs walks finds a broken bleeder screw? Likewise, what if a replacement caliper is non readily available, or you don't want to take the cost of fixing information technology? What now?

Enter the old bag of tricks. Fifty-fifty though many techs have tried to perform the job of removing a broken bleeder, about practise not have a great deal of success. Furthermore, mechanics have used all manner of methods to remove bleeder screws. Whether information technology be drilling, tapping, easy outs, heat, or fifty-fifty a combination of these, mechanics accept tried it all. On the other hand, there is ane method in particular that will piece of work virtually every time. And the best part? It'south not that hard to perform.

Removing a Broken Bleeder Spiral

Showtime, the process volition involve disassembling the caliper. Because of this, you lot should use a rebuild kit when available. If one is unavailable, so take not bad care when removing the dust boot and square-cut seal. Next, after stripping down the casting, mount it in a vise. Next, using a hacksaw, cut a screw slot in the pinnacle of the broken bleeder as in the image below. If the bleeder is affluent with the housing, you will have to cut into the housing a small amount. This portion of the casting is a non-structural part, and if done correctly, this volition non damage the caliper.

Heating the Bleeder Spiral

Next, get a container big plenty to fit the entire caliper housing and fill it with plenty water to permit the caliper to exist completely submerged. For instance, a mop bucket or v-gallon pail works nicely. At present apply oestrus to the caliper housing around the bleeder spiral as in the image below.

Once heated, grab the caliper with a pair of aqueduct locks, remove information technology from the vise and set information technology in the bucket of water. Let the caliper sit down there for a minute and then remove it and remount in the vise. Next, using a flat blade screwdriver that fits snug in the screw slot, attempt to remove the bleeder. It may be necessary to tap the screwdriver tip into the screw slot with a hammer to ensure a good fit. In most cases, the bleeder will come out without whatever problem (See Image Below). Occasionally there will be a burr on the threads, and you will accept to work the bleeder back and forth until information technology comes out.

This process will "stupor" the caliper housing serving to break the bond betwixt the two parts. Many mechanics have used this method for years, and it has nonetheless to fail. However, on a rare occasion, you'll have to heat it twice earlier the bond breaks. Likewise, yous can likewise employ this method on wheel cylinders. However, there are a few things to be careful of:

• Never endeavour this on an aluminum caliper or bike cylinder.
• Be certain to detach the cycle cylinder before heating it because heat can harm the internal rubber parts.
• Once yous complete the job, always cheque the unit for leaks.

Afterward Removing the Cleaved Bleeder Spiral

Afterwards removing the bleeder, you're prepare to reassemble the caliper. Start by cleaning the bore out with emery material if necessary, and rinse with hot water. Next, blow the housing dry with compressed air. Equally you brainstorm the assembly process, information technology is essential to make sure your hands are clean. When installing the square-cutting seal, piston, and dust boot, apply either brake fluid or silicone as an assembly lube. Install the piston by hand, making certain not to cock information technology. If the unit uses a press-in grit kicking, make sure to seat it completely. Complete the process by installing the slider hardware making sure to lube it properly. Finally, install the caliper and drain it out, making sure to check for leaks.

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Source: https://www.brakebleeder.com/removing-broken-bleeder-screws/

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