stuck brake bleeders

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Jul 10, 2003 | 10:55 AM

bigblue

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Joined: Sep 1999

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From: Minneapolis

stuck brake bleeders

My brake bleeders on the rear drum assemblies of my 78 F150 are stuck. I can't get them open to bleed the brake lines. I have been soaking them every night for three days with Liquid Wrench, and they will not loosen. Brake fluid is flamable, so I am not wanting to use a torch either. Can anyone tell me how to loosen them???? Thanks. Dan

Jul 10, 2003 | 11:26 AM

73Custom

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Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 2,838

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From: SD

stuck brake bleeders

That's about the best you can do. You're right, heating is a bad idea, it will wreck the seals in the cylinder. Put a good wrench/socket on it and work it back and forth. I ended up twisting mine off and had to replace the wheel cylinders...

Marty

Jul 10, 2003 | 11:37 AM

jor

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Joined: Jan 2002

Posts: 1,008

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From: Tucson

stuck brake bleeders

They're probably going to break off. Just put a nice tight 1/4 in drive socket on it and be prepared to buy new wheel cylinders. I did the same with a front caliper assemply on my son's 73. Found a nice replacement at the wrecking yard. Good luck (it's only money)
jor

Jul 10, 2003 | 01:53 PM

thelonerangerxlt

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stuck brake bleeders

Dan, if you haven't already twisted it off, try this: With a hammer, tap around the cylinder while applying pressure to the wrench. Also tap on the wrench while applying pressure. Sometimes the hammer blow vibrations will loosen it up. It works sorta like a mini impact wrench.

Jul 10, 2003 | 01:55 PM

dfisher1

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Joined: Jul 2001

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From: Gainesville, FL

stuck brake bleeders

All,
Don't even waste your time. Just buy new wheel cylinders and be grateful they're available.
I put anti-seize on my bleeder screws. It seems to help. I also put them on the wire brush if they are rusty.
A stitch in time saves nine. Your stitch is a little late.
Good Luck,
KingFisher

Jul 10, 2003 | 03:24 PM

Jerrybo66

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Joined: Mar 2003

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From: AZ.

stuck brake bleeders

I've had a little tool for many years called an "impact driver" that's gotten me out of trouble ....It holds any 1/2" drive socket or screw driver head..You would need a reducer to get down to the bleeder size socket...You keep a twist on it and smack it with a hammer...The sharp, twisting jolt, does the work...They're now part of the "made in China" crap but if it gets a guy out of trouble a couple times before it flies apart, it's worth it.....Lots-a-luck...

Jul 10, 2003 | 04:49 PM

KJKozak2

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Joined: Feb 2002

Posts: 2,404

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From: Cleveland, WI USA

stuck brake bleeders

Whatever you do, make sure you use a 6 pt socket so you don't round off the bleeder.

I managed to get mine off my 78 with a little work. Although I had the cyl. off the backing plate and taken apart, so I could use a torch.

Good luck.

K.