how do I remove a rounded off brake nipple

[oz_johnno]

Howdi, I was bleeding up my brakes on the w/e when I rounded off  the knurls of the brake nipple, so I cant use my 11mm ring spanner on it any more.

Any clues as to how to get it out... it seems to be pretty tight.

also what size brake nipoles are they, can i go to my nearest car parts store and get a new one??

What is the proper procedure for bleeding the front brakes.

Cheers

OZ

[Lucky_Lou]

Try using a stud extractor they are availiable in various sizes should be easy to get one that fits into the hole. I think the nipples are standard sizes so should be easy to replace.
Lou

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I have a pair of long-nose locking pliers I bought for something.  It sounds like just the ticket here, but then I've never used a stud extractor.

[Bob_Roller]

If the brake bleeder is rounded off due to being too tight, do not use an extractor, they are brittle and will easily snap off if the item you trying to get out is over tightened, or seized due to corrosion .


A pair of locking pliers is your best plan of attack now .

[Barry]

The bleed nipple is steel and the caliper body an aluminium alloy so there will be some differential expansion. Maybe a few heat cool cycles with a hot air gun while applying a little penetrating fluid will help to free it up. You don't want to contaminate the brake fluid but even if the penetrating fluid gets past the threads it still won't get into the brake fluid until the bleed nipple is released. Also be careful not to get any in contact with brake rubber parts.

[steven m]

Vice-grips and a gentle touch should do it.  I'd suspect some gummy brake fluid is acting like glue as well.  Be careful not to over-tighten them in the future.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

And you might consider replacing it with one of these:

http://www.speedbleeder.com/

[Bob_Roller]

If you notice on the speed bleeder, the red threads .

It's a sealant, to aid in preventing drawing air into the the fluid after it leaves the caliper cavity, giving a false indication of there still being air in the brake system .

A single wrap of Teflon tape on the threads will prevent this, it may also help prevent the bleeder seizing in caliper due to corrosion .

[wa1udg]

I'd like to hear the over and under on the Speedbleeder.  Anyone use them on a BM?

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I'd like to hear the over and under on the Speedbleeder.  Anyone use them on a BM?

I've had one on my bike for about 20 years now.  I love it.  I never needed teflon tape.  You don't want that stuff getting in your brake fluid.

[montmil]

... A single wrap of Teflon tape on the threads will prevent this, it may also help prevent the bleeder seizing in caliper due to corrosion.

Danger, Will Robinson. Danger.

If you do choose to use teflon tape, keep the tale well away from the upper reaches of the bleeder screw threads. The tape will be cut by the threads during the install and any thin length of tape can be drawn into the hydraulic line leading to other braking issues.

I believe we're dealing with a tapered pipe thread whereby the initial threads on the bleeder are a looser fit than the final "snug up" threads. This is what creates the teflon loose thread potential.

Monte

[Bob_Roller]

The threads are straight type, not tapered, the conical end of the bleeder is the sealing surface .

[montmil]

The threads are straight type, not tapered, the conical end of the bleeder is the sealing surface .

Well, d'oh. I should've remembered that from my Cleveland disc brakes.

I still don't like the teflon.

M

[Julio A.]

I use a universal spanner I bough at a local ACE hardware way back to remove rounded nuts. The brand is "Endura" and it replaces the 9mm-32mm sized spanners with a two piece set. These things are pretty useful.
The spanners already saved me from one or two possible disasters when I came across rusted on and rounded off nuts.

[wirewrkr]

I'd like to hear the over and under on the Speedbleeder.  Anyone use them on a BM?

The speedbleeders are a good alternative to buying a $40.00 vacuum bleeder, especially if you've got to buy a new bleeder anyway.
The thread size is 10x1.00 if not already mentioned.