Finally removed broken bleeder!

[Scooby]

Well, after a long struggle, that rat-!#@#$ finally came out.



For those who have followed my saga, it started nearly a week ago. RR bleeder opened without a problem and the LR snapped off. I tried virtually every trick I knew and researched:

1) Tons of PB

2) Tapping with hammer (caliper and bleeder - lightly)

3) Drilled small hole and tapped in a hex wrench

4) Drilled larger hole and tapped in a 3/8" drive torx head socket - man, I really thought that was going to work!

5) Used air-hammer with dull bit to vibrate caliper around bleeder

6) Used heat

7) Used extractor sets (3 different types)

8) Went to neighbor, who happens to be chief engine builder at a major NASCAR team and we went to "the shop" and used equipment that cost more than my house..... and another extractor and more heat... . and finally got it out!



"It's so simple, guys... . maybe you need a refresher course" -Fletch

 

[ekroman]

Congratulations!



I would have given up after the first couple hours. My wife would have intervened by then.



Does anyone have any tips for keeping them from seizing?



I once used anti-seize on the bleeders, but you have to use an extremely tiny amount, about the size of a ball bearing.



Eddie

 

[Scooby]

Thanks. My wife was very mad..... I think I "ruined" Thanksgiving!



Oh, I forgot to mention that no dealership within a couple hundred mile radius had any bleeder valves! I had to special order them... so I got 5.



I replaced the one that came out as well. I put anti-sieze on them to hopefully keep them... . uh... . anti-siezed.



I was thinking about putting a bit of clear-nail polish around the little bit of exposed threads to hopefully keep dirt, salt, etc... . from even thinking about getting in there. Do you think that would work?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Permatex makes a product that is supposed to work. It is part # 25124 and i bought some at Napa but can't tell you if it works or not as i just used it. It is a thick paste and is supposed to prevent rust and not wash off. We will see. bg

 

[rbattelle]

I was thinking about putting a bit of clear-nail polish around the little bit of exposed threads to hopefully keep dirt, salt, etc... . from even thinking about getting in there. Do you think that would work?

That would probably work. Or most any thick petroleum product would work (grease, vaseline, etc).



Glad to hear you got yours out! Mine is staying put until it's necessary to remove it, since I don't have fancy NASCAR tools. I figure I'll bore out the old one on the drill press... . I can do more damage that way.



Ryan

 

[HOBrian]

Mine is staying put until it's necessary to remove it, since I don't have fancy NASCAR tools.



Ryan

Ryan, why not drive to NJ we can both convoy down to NC and have his friend work on our trucksOo.

 

[Scooby]

He's the nicest guy in the world, he'd likely be glad to help!



Little does he know that I still have the front brakes to do!!! (insert dramatic music from Psycho here)