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*%#@! Bleed Screw
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01-19-2023, 11:45 AM | #1 |
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*%#@! Bleed Screw
Refurbishing a set of 335 brake calipers for my 128 and bleed screw seized and snapped off:
I will start my search on the Google machine to see how best to get this out but any wisdom the forum can share will be appreciated.
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01-19-2023, 12:15 PM | #2 |
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I got an aluminum engine mount bracket bolt out that snapped off due to long term stress. Filed a deep slot into it and used a big screwdriver. Make sure it's deep enough for a screw driver element to fit well so you don't end up with an even shorter nub. Extractor kit would work well, but aluminum stuff isn't torqued that much and I don't like the idea of smacking a hammer onto those tiny aluminum threads.
Tiny wheel grinder element would work well for the slot and maybe the vibrations from grinding will reduce the tension. Wear eye protection so the metal shavings don't get into your eye. Last edited by Suvorovo; 01-19-2023 at 12:26 PM.. |
01-19-2023, 01:07 PM | #3 | |
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Thanks for your wisdom!
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01-19-2023, 10:52 PM | #7 |
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I agree, I wouldn't spend a ton of time on it but I bet with a little heat you can get it out without too much drama. Propane torches work wonders and I don't think I've ever had a stuck bolt since using one, even on rusty cars.
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01-20-2023, 07:40 AM | #8 | |
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I've already completed the caliper for the driver side and am also working on a set of 328 calipers for the rear.
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01-20-2023, 09:21 AM | #10 |
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No a pro but from what I learned DIYing, I would start with penetrating oil, then try and fit one of those biting sockets and see if one grabs onto what is left or maybe even a normal socket could bite. If that fails, groove in top (with dremmel or something) and try to flat head, if that fails, I would then drill it out. Also before reaching the drill out phase, I would probably try get heat involved if nothing has budged. Also using vice grips can work to but might be tough to get a good grip on threads VS a bolt head for example. And when you start to break it free or if you feel any movement, try to go back and then tighten it back, and then go back unloosen, etc. Usually helps.
Also yeah, I would not buy a new caliper for such a small roadblock. I'm sure you can get that bleed out somewhat easily with time. That would be 100% worth my time. |
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01-20-2023, 11:21 AM | #11 | |
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I will go ahead and try cutting a slot and flat heading it but I do not see how that will achieve anything if the bolt extractors on an impact could not. I've scoped out several listed on Ebay and told the sellers I would buy theirs if they can remove the bleed screw before shipping - I don't want to end up having to do this again.
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01-20-2023, 11:30 AM | #12 | |
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01-20-2023, 11:47 AM | #13 |
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Oh, I'll try drilling but I'm not expecting much.
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01-20-2023, 11:53 AM | #14 |
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High hopes for the slot technique! Use a screwdriver with a hex end so you can twist with a wrench and not break your wrists.
Make the slot deep enough so that screwdriver can really fit in there, not too big though where the material will become too thin and break off. |
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01-20-2023, 01:53 PM | #15 |
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The calipers are aluminum right?
I'm surprised heating the caliper a little didn't free it instantly. Alum expands about 3x as much as iron. If heat didn't get it.... I'd gamble it's been overtightened and the aluminum threads are destroyed.
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01-20-2023, 03:16 PM | #16 | |
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Even for a retiree your hourly rate is worth much more than what you will put into this. But to each his own.... I've been there done that with 2 frozen bleed screws. Not worth it. Additionally, heating the aluminum caliper to a point that may free the bleed screw might have safety implications. |
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01-20-2023, 07:37 PM | #17 | |
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01-21-2023, 10:21 PM | #18 |
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I went ahead and ordered another caliper after confirming with the seller that the bleed screw was removable. The other three calipers I have (another 335 caliper for the front and two 328 rears) were no problem removing the bleed screw.
It had reached the point of diminishing returns - further solutions would require buying more tools or repair parts so no longer worth it. New one will be here in a day or two so I will get back to it next week.
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01-23-2023, 02:19 PM | #20 |
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Happened to me, too. Thankfully it was while tightening and it didn't leak. Ultimately my left brake caliper froze (unrelated) and I just replaced them both. You can get them out with a left handed drill bit, easy out and some heat. You might be able to even do it on the car.
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