brake bleeder screws
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
brake bleeder screws
Anyone out there have any tips on breaking loose the bleeder screws on the wheel cylinders on my 53 Ford F600? I have soaked them in Kreen, Kroil and other penetrating oils and they feel like that trhey will twist off if I put any more pressure on them.
thanks
bob/ohio
thanks
bob/ohio
Postmaster
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 2,813
Likes: 6
From: Connecticut
If you can't get them loose by the methods mentioned, chances are you'll need new ones. Heat is no good, as it will fry the rubber cups ,etc... and could be dangerous.You might try drilling them out and then a easy out. If it was my truck, I'd replace them.
Barry
50 F-1
Barry
50 F-1
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,443
Likes: 5
From: Willamette Valley, Oregon
If you can get a socket or a box wrench on them, after a good soak, try light repeated tapping in the direction of loostening on the wrench with another metal wrench. I think there are times when older small "stuck" bolts become looser with the vibrations and gentle repeated taps. Could easily be just something I do to make myself feel better before I attempt a good twist, but it SEEMS like it helps.... (Can't hurt!)
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 346
Likes: 0
From: Raleigh, NC
I concur with applying pressure with a wrench and tapping in an attempt to 'vibrate' it loose. If that fails, I would do as previously prescribed and drill it out and try backing it out with an easyout.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 96
Likes: 1
This response is just going to add a little detail to the previous posts which outline the best methods of attempting to loosen frozen bleeder screws: Depending on how much time you are willing to spend on this, continue to apply penetrating oil and then give the end of the bleeder screw sharp raps with a small hammer. The idea is to shock the threads and disturb the rust. The end of the screw where it seats in the cylinder is probably rusted also, so a direct hit on the end of the screw might be beneficial. Use a socket wrench. When you attempt to turn the screw, try apply circular pressure only, no side pressure if possible. Do the oil and tap excersize as long as you can, every night until you either break it loose, twist it off, or order wheel cylinders.
Good luck
Good luck
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
Hey wheel cylinders aren"t all that expensive, and they're readily available, try napa and save shipping charges
Trending Topics
New User
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Whack 'em on the head a few times with a hammer. That should loosen them up. Vise grips work well on stripped heads.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
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
Posting Guru
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,119
Likes: 2
From: Southern New Hampshire
If you have an O/A torch with a small tip then heat just the base of the screw until a dull red. Quench with PB Blaster, Kroil, etc. Then it should be easy to remove.
Truck shops have been using torches since before your F600 was built. Done right nothing gets ruined and the interior of the cylinder will be cooler than when that old truck is going down hill and braking!
Truck shops have been using torches since before your F600 was built. Done right nothing gets ruined and the interior of the cylinder will be cooler than when that old truck is going down hill and braking!
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: South Central MN
the ones on my 54 were stuck tighter than h*ll too, and i found a little six point box end wrench, and with a little tapping and fiddling with it....little liquid wrench, all of the sudden it popped, and out it started coming....had to work it back and forth of course, to get the threads somewhat clean.....but eventually it came out, took the airhose to it and cleaned them all, and reused every one of them....friends got a 59 lincoln continental, did the same thing to it....2 for 2 is good odds
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 15,882
Likes: 88
From: Durham NC
Always use a tight fitting 6 pt box, fitting or socket wrench, 12 point wrenches will round them off for sure. Replace them with new ones with a little antiseize on the threads to prevent future issues. Ran into that problem a lot when I lived in Buffalo. We would use heat as a last resort, but I can't remember ever breaking one off.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,771
Likes: 39
From: Minnesota
I have gotten smaller parts like that loose by putting them in a container of solvent. Usually parts cleaner and letting them soak a few days. If you are not taking yours off this will not do you much good.