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1994.5 - 1997 7.3L Power Stroke Diesel  

bleeder screw stripped

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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 05:10 PM
  #1  
Curtis Gruman's Avatar
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bleeder screw stripped

I stripped my bleeder screw on m drum how do i get it out?
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 05:15 PM
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i did this over the summer, if you cant get it out with the best effort of vise grip/ channel locks etc, i think the best option is to take the backing plate off. it just skips the hours of heating up the nipple and fuc*ing with it with no success.
the process of getting the backing place off involves removing tire, drum, axle shaft and spindle nut? idk what the name is but the tool is a 4 prong looking thing IIRC then the hub comes off then the backing plate. once the backing plate it off you have a lot more leverage to get the nipple out with vice grips.
*this is all off of a drunken remembrance*
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 05:52 PM
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Threads _strip_; heads _ROUND_. If it's ROUNDED, try one of the various extractor sockets out there (Irwin Bolt-Grip, Craftsman Bolt-Out, etc.; even Harbor Freight has several sets). If none of those work, and you have shop air, look up a product called "Brake-Free"; it was developed specifically for rounded and stubborn bleeder screws.

Beyond that, what would be a LOT less work than pulling the backing plate, and would be a more "renewing" solution, would be simply to replace the wheel cylinder.
 
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Old Nov 2, 2015 | 09:02 PM
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Heat the bleeder red hot . let it cool . It will come out . you can also bleed it from the line too ( May need to heat it first also)
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 05:38 AM
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i agree with using heat. but that can also destroy the seals in the wheel cylinder.
when i come across a stripped bleeder that will not come out, i usually just replace the cylinder. and before i send it back out i put never-seize on the bleeder.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 08:36 AM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
i agree with using heat. but that can also destroy the seals in the wheel cylinder.
when i come across a stripped bleeder that will not come out, i usually just replace the cylinder. and before i send it back out i put never-seize on the bleeder.
Thats why I heat the bleeder
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 01:40 PM
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oh, i knew. i try to only heat the bleeder too, but sometimes the heat transfers.
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 05:29 PM
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Originally Posted by tjc transport
oh, i knew. i try to only heat the bleeder too, but sometimes the heat transfers.
The bleeder is steel , the cylinder it cast iron (heat sink )I don't "try " to heat only the bleeder , I heat "only" the bleeder . (its takes a few seconds ) then quench it .Even if the Cylinder is empty , it wont hurt the seals . Is it just me or do you step all over expert advice everywhere ?
 
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Old Nov 3, 2015 | 05:59 PM
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Originally Posted by Curtis Gruman
I stripped my bleeder screw on m drum how do i get it out?
TJC says you need to replace the cylinder , so you may as well bite the bullet .
 
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Old Nov 4, 2015 | 05:06 PM
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no "stepping on expert advice"
i am simply relating some of the things i have encountered over 47 years pulling wrenches on the farm, in the body shop, and in the heavy diesel shop.
 
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