Date: 29-03-24  Time: 12:33 pm

Author Topic: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?  (Read 1850 times)

Kenny Dave

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Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« on: 08 April 2020, 09:12:03 pm »
Any tips for these little bleeders? I've had the heat gun pointed at them, penetrating oil repeatedly, and they still won't release with as much force as I dare. I've snapped a few in the past, a serial balls up by me.


vinnyb

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #1 on: 08 April 2020, 09:40:56 pm »
 Never tried it but 50/50 acetone/ATF mix is supposed to be a really effective penetrating oil, it might be worth a try.

Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #2 on: 08 April 2020, 11:15:42 pm »
Never tried it but 50/50 acetone/ATF mix is supposed to be a really effective penetrating oil, it might be worth a try.
That's a great general tip on a bit of research. https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?s=53b2f99232bc1b5073cb746773355be5&t=231050&page=2
I have some acetone I think. No ATF though; no transmission. I'll get some, thanks.

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #3 on: 09 April 2020, 12:40:34 am »
Heat directed to the caliper to the area just below the bleeder is probably your best option. The heat gun would need have a fine point to direct it to the right place.

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #4 on: 09 April 2020, 10:40:55 am »
Heat directed to the caliper to the area just below the bleeder is probably your best option. The heat gun would need have a fine point to direct it to the right place.


 :agree


Heat the caliper body below the nipple at the same time, using a ring spanner or break nipple spanner, even a socket start to slowly apply pressure and undo the nipple, you don't need too much.  It's normally does the trick, but not always, sometimes the only way is to drill the bugger out, which isn't always cost effective as a replacement caliper can be cheaper then drilling and helicoiling, certainly quicker. 


Oh if you're doing it while the caliper is still on the bike, make sure you don't heat the break line ;)
Later

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #5 on: 09 April 2020, 10:55:53 am »
Heat directed to the caliper to the area just below the bleeder is probably your best option. The heat gun would need have a fine point to direct it to the right place.


 :agree


Heat the caliper body below the nipple at the same time, using a ring spanner or break nipple spanner, even a socket start to slowly apply pressure and undo the nipple, you don't need too much.  It's normally does the trick, but not always, sometimes the only way is to drill the bugger out, which isn't always cost effective as a replacement caliper can be cheaper then drilling and helicoiling, certainly quicker. 


Oh if you're doing it while the caliper is still on the bike, make sure you don't heat the break line ;)
How about sending it to a caliper refurb company and them deal with it. Powerhouse. £57
"Your calipers will be mechanically 'good as new', giving long term peace of mind. (Price includes new pressure seals, dust seals, caliper half seals, bleed nipples, dust covers and a new set of copper banjo washers so you can refit them properly)."
« Last Edit: 09 April 2020, 11:01:17 am by fazersharp »
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Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #6 on: 09 April 2020, 04:28:33 pm »
I'll have a look and see if I've got something to get the heat more localised, thank you. Or maybe buy a part.

I've got acetone and ATF in the post, so I'll try with that too.

If I can't do it then, I'll just have to take it to a garage after lockdown is done.

Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #7 on: 09 April 2020, 09:14:03 pm »
I got the b***d.

Not sure what the difference was today, but it wasn't even that hard. Maybe patience and another day to get the pentrating spray in. I don't have an attachment for localising the heat too well, but I did try and aim at the bottom and didn't do it for so long. Previously I was just trying to get everything hot, but is the idea to get the outer hotter than the inner?
Anyway, lots of good tips on this thread so thank you for everyone that helped.

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #8 on: 09 April 2020, 09:57:34 pm »
👍🏻

celticbiker

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #9 on: 10 April 2020, 12:12:30 pm »
Yes, the idea is for the aluminium to get warm and expand increasing the hole size slightly and the steel to stay relatively cool.
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Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #10 on: 10 April 2020, 02:28:33 pm »
Thanks.

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #11 on: 10 April 2020, 09:44:48 pm »
What exactly did you use for heat. Heat gun - is that a paint stripper gun. I only have a plumbing blow torch would that be too fierce   
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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #12 on: 11 April 2020, 11:27:17 am »
I always use a blow torch, just be careful not to damage paint work with it.
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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #13 on: 15 April 2020, 12:57:54 pm »
I always use a blow torch, just be careful not to damage paint work with it.
Thanks - hope I don't need to use it.
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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #14 on: 15 April 2020, 07:17:08 pm »
Yeh, nipples are always overlooked, I give mine a twist and lube every couple of months and flush and replace the fluid every year.
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fazersharp

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #15 on: 15 April 2020, 08:38:10 pm »
Yeh, nipples are always overlooked, I give mine a twist and lube every couple of months and flush and replace the fluid every year.
I have just been shooting up  :eek Its a penetrating  fluid and I find a syringe and blunt needle perfect. 
« Last Edit: 15 April 2020, 08:40:00 pm by fazersharp »
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Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #16 on: 16 April 2020, 12:22:50 am »
I have just been shooting up  :eek Its a penetrating  fluid and I find a syringe and blunt needle perfect.
I have the exact same needle :)

Kenny Dave

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #17 on: 16 April 2020, 12:23:56 am »
I've had a crazy thought, please talk me out of it. Would it make sense to "paint in" the nipples once they're on? Stop the rust getting in. Copper grease is no good as it gets washed out during bleeding.

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Re: Bleed nipples won't release - any tips?
« Reply #18 on: 16 April 2020, 01:06:08 am »
I've had a crazy thought, please talk me out of it. Would it make sense to "paint in" the nipples once they're on? Stop the rust getting in. Copper grease is no good as it gets washed out during bleeding.
the bleeding  wash out does not affect the thread.
I don't do rain or threat there of. dry rider only with no shame.