2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Broken brake bleeders

[wlowe]

It's getting close to the time for a brake job. I'm planning on getting some speed bleeders to make the job easier.



When I did a search I found that some members have had a problem breaking off the OEM bleeders because they wouldn't turn when wrenched. Don't know why, maybe rust or over tightened from factory. I'm a little worried, don't know how common this is. I live in a dry area so rust is light but the truck is almost eight years old and the bleeders have never been used. How many of you guys have had this problem.



Thanks,

Bill

 

[rkressg]

Start spraying them everyday with PB blaster for at least one week. They are most likely stuck.

Use a good quality 6 point wrench to break free the bleeders. If they have been tight for the last 8 years, they will probably still break off inside the caliper.

If you are lucky, they will come loose.

 

[RHestand]

Ditto rkressg post.

I would add, if still seized, try tapping the end of the box-end wrench with a light hammer when it's on the bleeder. The vibrations will sometimes crack the rust a little.

Then when trying to loosen, (again, light hammer) try gently tapping in both directions (not just counter clockwise) back and forth. Also keep spraying PB Blaster. This will also help crack the rust.

The key is patience, and getting the rust to start cracking, before the soft metal shears off.

Truth be known, sometimes, nothing works. But at least you tried.

Good Luck, Ray

 

[SSolderitch]

I have a master cylinder change out next week... . I hope my bleeders will open easy.

 

[CWeaver]

new Caliper = new bleeder

I'm in the rust belt & have seen this... If you do strip them... before you spend three hours breking them off & trying to get them out (like I did on a jeep#@$%!), check the price to just replace the whole caliper!

Hours of frustration vs. $30-$70 bucks for a nice new caliper...

I also paint all my hard parts with engine paint before installation as I live near Chicago where they salt the roads like crazy!!! They then take much longer to rust up... And everyone thinks your loony.

 

[SSolderitch]

or wheel cylinders if pre 2001. 5...

 

[surfbeetle]

My 97 suburban has the same calipers as my 95 dodge. Remember Dodge was using GM stuff at the time? Anyway, I broke the bleeder on my Suburban a while back, I had been planing on flushing the system, at that point, I decided I didn't really need to do flush. I just know that the next time I do front brakes, I will be replacing both calipers and flushing the system.

 

[JCyrbok]

Start spraying them everyday with PB blaster for at least one week. They are most likely stuck.



Use a good quality 6 point wrench to break free the bleeders. If they have been tight for the last 8 years, they will probably still break off inside the caliper.



If you are lucky, they will come loose.

When I had to do my brakes last summer I knew mine would be stuck, about a weeks worth of PB Blaster worked and they came out pretty easy. Tap on them too with a screw driver or wrench, seems to get the PB Blaster to work down the threads better/deeper.



On my rears I had to use a deep well socket to get mine out (fronts only needed an open end wrench. Rears seemed like they were rusted worse for some reason.



Mine had not been moved in 7 years at that time.



Hope this helps



J-

 

[wlowe]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been spraying the bleeders every day with PB Blaster waiting for the speed bleeders to get here. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

 

[JCyrbok]

Thanks for all the replies. I've been spraying the bleeders every day with PB Blaster waiting for the speed bleeders to get here. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

been thinking about going to the speed bleeders too. Where did you get them from and what size did you order.



Thanks



J-

 

[wlowe]

been thinking about going to the speed bleeders too. Where did you get them from and what size did you order.



Thanks



J-

Here is their website:



Speed Bleeder Bleeding Brakes Bleeding Motorcycle Brakes Automotive Bleeder Screw Brake Bleeder



Their website has all the info for finding the part number of the size you need. My 01 has front/rear discs and the part number for front and rear bleeders in mild steel is SB3824. I ordered the stainless steel bleeders which is part number SB3824-SS.



Bill

 

[JCyrbok]

Here is their website:



Speed Bleeder Bleeding Brakes Bleeding Motorcycle Brakes Automotive Bleeder Screw Brake Bleeder



Their website has all the info for finding the part number of the size you need. My 01 has front/rear discs and the part number for front and rear bleeders in mild steel is SB3824. I ordered the stainless steel bleeders which is part number SB3824-SS.



Bill

Thanks bill



J-