Leaking bleeder screw?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
Leaking bleeder screw?
Ok, so I feel dumb I can't figure this out but I have no idea why this is happening.
Installed new caliper, pads, master cylinder, bled the brakes and was about to take it out for a road test and I noticed the bleeder screw on the new caliper is leaking. At first I thought it was leaking from the threads but I had my wife apply the brakes and it is leaking out of the "bleeder orifice" regardless of the position of the bleeder screw....no matter how tight or loose I have it.
Would like to get this done so I can bleed the rears and start using this thing!
Thank you for any help!
Installed new caliper, pads, master cylinder, bled the brakes and was about to take it out for a road test and I noticed the bleeder screw on the new caliper is leaking. At first I thought it was leaking from the threads but I had my wife apply the brakes and it is leaking out of the "bleeder orifice" regardless of the position of the bleeder screw....no matter how tight or loose I have it.
Would like to get this done so I can bleed the rears and start using this thing!
Thank you for any help!
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,538
Likes: 54
From: Des Moines
I understand it's a new a caliper, but it's possible something is stuck inside the bore and preventing the screw from seating completely. I'd start by simply removing the screw completely and checking for obstructions in the bore and on the screw. Make sure to use a flashlight and look directly into the bore- it could be something easily missed otherwise.
If there's no obstruction, it could just be a faulty bleeder screw and you need to replace it.
If there's no obstruction, it could just be a faulty bleeder screw and you need to replace it.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 4,698
Likes: 47
From: Mexico, Missouri
Also, I had same problem when I replaced the calipers in my 300 several years ago. Went through 2 sets of calipers before getting it right. They were reman, not new, so I know what ya mean by them leaking
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
I understand it's a new a caliper, but it's possible something is stuck inside the bore and preventing the screw from seating completely. I'd start by simply removing the screw completely and checking for obstructions in the bore and on the screw. Make sure to use a flashlight and look directly into the bore- it could be something easily missed otherwise.
If there's no obstruction, it could just be a faulty bleeder screw and you need to replace it.
If there's no obstruction, it could just be a faulty bleeder screw and you need to replace it.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
So it was something wrong with the reman calipers? They are cheap but, I just got the tires back on and off the jack stands!! What a pain in the butt! Can't they sell us quality products??
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 635
Likes: 0
I went through three new calipers for my Protege5. You know what it's like to change a rear caliper three times in the cold over three weeks? Plus having to keep topping off the MC every two days and having brake fluid puddles everywhere you park?!?
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 1,305
Likes: 8
to me, theres nothing more discouraging than having a part fail, right out of the box. on the other hand, better it should fail right away, than 100 miles from anywhere.
i say take that JUNK off your truck, return it, and get better quality.
i say take that JUNK off your truck, return it, and get better quality.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
I THOUGHT I had fixed it. I removed the bleeder screw, set it aside, didn't see any obstructions in the way. backed out the bolt holding the brake line in, reinstalled bleeder screw and then tightened the brake line bolt. It definitely slowed it down BUT....it still comes out in spurts, inconsistently....not sure about that. Anyways....
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
I am VERY close to just saying forget it and returning this. It is very aggravating to know that there is such a high failure rate with out-of-the-box products...especially ones that could kill you if you are driving with any speed....
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 5,670
Likes: 13
From: Sand Lake, MI
Over the past 35+ years I've replace countless calipers/wheel cylinders, no way to even hazard a guess as to how many exactly, and from who could say for sure how many different suppliers/re-builders and I've never had a bleeder leak on one yet.
If I did first thing I'd do is yea inspect the bleeders seat, doubt be any problem in it but I'd look make sure its clear of crap and formed right yet (Make sure some bonehead didn't bury a drill bit down the hole trying to remove a snapped off bleeder the re-builder might have missed). Satisfied that's good I'd run down get another bleeder a minute try it. If it's seat is good the bleeder must be deformed allowing fluid to pass. Bleeder for example might simply be wrong angle or reach or both for the seat or fit to loosely of thread to snug up like it should.
If I did first thing I'd do is yea inspect the bleeders seat, doubt be any problem in it but I'd look make sure its clear of crap and formed right yet (Make sure some bonehead didn't bury a drill bit down the hole trying to remove a snapped off bleeder the re-builder might have missed). Satisfied that's good I'd run down get another bleeder a minute try it. If it's seat is good the bleeder must be deformed allowing fluid to pass. Bleeder for example might simply be wrong angle or reach or both for the seat or fit to loosely of thread to snug up like it should.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
Ok, so I might have done something wrong....I may be a washer shy on the brake line.
So, the "block" on the brake line that the bolt goes through....the old caliper had a washer between it and the caliper surface and another between it and the bolt head.
The new caliper came with one washer so I stuck it under the bolt head, the traditional location....should I have another washer between that block and the caliper surface?
I am thinking that this bolt is in too far and is interfering with the bleeder screw? Does that make sense?
Sorry I haven't messed with calipers all that much other than R&R's on different vehicles over the years Ive never gotten into depth on them so THANK YOU!
So, the "block" on the brake line that the bolt goes through....the old caliper had a washer between it and the caliper surface and another between it and the bolt head.
The new caliper came with one washer so I stuck it under the bolt head, the traditional location....should I have another washer between that block and the caliper surface?
I am thinking that this bolt is in too far and is interfering with the bleeder screw? Does that make sense?
Sorry I haven't messed with calipers all that much other than R&R's on different vehicles over the years Ive never gotten into depth on them so THANK YOU!
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: Broadway, NC
Ok, thanks guys, going out here in a few minutes to put BOTH washers on it and see if that does the trick. I feel bad for bashing the product now...may have been operator error!