Freeing Brake Bleeder
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New User
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Freeing Brake Bleeder
So anyone have any tips for freeing the brake bleeder valve? The truck sat for about 7 years and I just started driving it. Im sure they havent been opened in at least 10. I have been putting on pb blaster for the last 3 days but I still cant free it. I actually need my back brakes next week since I will be pulling a trailer and need to get the air out of the lines. Any tips would be greatly appreciated =D
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
My advice is to not even bother. Just replace the calipers or wheel cylinders on both sides. If the truck has been sitting for that long, they're probably not working all that well anyway. In fact, I'm surprised it stops at all. Most vehicles that sit for the long need a new master cylinder.
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It had a new master cylinder and a new booster about a year before it was put out in the pasture, so Im sure that helps. I was thinking about just replacing them, but thought if anyone knew a quick trick that would be sweet.
Fleet Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Lake Tahoe, Nevada
Put a line wrench on the bleeder and using firm pressure with one hand, strike the wrench, (where it wraps the bleeder,) with a small ball peen hammer. The shock transmits through the threads and will break up the corrosion.
Buy new bleeders valves before you start.
Buy new bleeders valves before you start.
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2002
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From: Bonita Springs FL
To each his own, but I just can't see going through that much time and effort to free a stuck bleeder that's more likely than not going to break off or get stripped anyway. Wheel cylinder are what, about $10 a piece? Calipers maybe $15?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2004
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From: RI
I agree with andym....the parts to replace are pretty cheap, and although it's a bit of work, it would be more piece of mind--especially when you are going to be pulling a trailer (added load for the breaks). Check your break lines too.
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Thanks guys. If I can get them open easy Ill do it, otherwise Ill just replace it. Didnt realize it was so cheap. I already had to replace all the lines, thats why I need to bleed them =D Darn things broke 3 different times on me (did 2 patches) and I finally decided to just replace the whole thing.
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I find using a little heat then a rapid cool down with some cold water work well.. heat it up wiht a torch..a small propane torch will be fine..heat the bleeder for a few seconds then douse it with water to cool it and it should free it up..if not, thats when I replace the calipers or wheel cylinders.Thats my $0.02
Last edited by Evil1; Dec 29, 2005 at 10:01 PM.
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Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Marquette, Michigan
As already posted wheel cylinders are cheap, don't be surprised if you end up changing the adjusters also. Pulling a trailer what the heck shoes aren't that expensive either. Hmm small brake lines to the tee?
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From: manitoulin island ontario
Originally Posted by Evil1
I find using a little heat then a rapid cool down with some cold water work well.. heat it up wiht a torch..a small propane torch will be fine..heat the bleeder for a few seconds then douse it with water to cool it and it should free it up..if not, thats when I replace the calipers or wheel cylinders.Thats my $0.02
heat it up pore cold water on it and listen for a very faint crack noise when you hear that it's free
