Brake bleeder nipple

[stockman]

Can anyone tell me if the bleeder on the caliper should have some sort of semi permanent locking compound or thread sealant on it. Mine leaks from the thread more than from the nipple hole and I noticed when I look at new ones there is some sort of compound or dope on them. I was going to coat it with blue Locktite and let it dry and then put it back in.
I. Rebuilt the caliper using new bits to solve the problem of the pads clicking due to not releasing all the way, but they started grabbing again so I cleaned out the master thinking the piston was not releasing the pressure. But anyway should I use the Locktite?

[benlawlor85]

Dont think so....
Well i never have on any of my bikes and they dont leak.
 are your nipples S/S or standard?
 I wudn't use locktite incase some breaks off and gets into the fluid.
A rubbber O-ring might work tho.

Hope this helps.

[stockman]

There not SS
I might just cut down some Teflon tape to an 1/8" or so and give it a couple wraps . I know it may scread a bit but if I open the bleared it will flow out not in.
Thanks

[Red_Hen]

Why don't you consider a pair of new screws or speed bleeders? spiegler performance sells them. I think brake fluid will eat thru Teflon tape

[Julio A.]

I tried Teflon tape way back just for extra insurance.
Brake Fluid melts through it given ample time.

[stockman]

Yeah, I think I will just buy a new one. I was hoping to find something locally. While I have your attention should I see air bibles in the master cylinder each time I punp the brake. The problem I'm having is that after some time the brake starts to drag and then the pads start to clicking and eventually the fork will start oscillating ,so annoying.

[Julio A.]

Hmmm...  apparently we both have the same problem. The Brake drag, clicking sound and oscillating fork; I was blaming it on a badly worn disk. I never thought about the piston not retracting all the way; it would get stuck at one point and pop back into place after about a second or so when I was still bleeding it when there was still no pressure from the system.

I believe you shouldn't have bubbles coming out of the master cylinder everytime you pump the brakes except when you are bleeding the system.

[Barry]

Is the leak from the threads being a bother during a bleeding operation or is it leaking all the time ?

I use a narrow wrap of ptfe tape at the top of the nipple threads when filling the system from the bottom up otherwise fluid does leak from the threads. I think a thin coat of loctite is probably a better idea.

If you have a leak past the threads with the bleed nipple closed then either the bleed nipple or seat in the caliper is damaged.

[stockman]

It's just when I'm bleeding them. I checked the seat and made sure the small hole in the nipple is clear. I am going to see if I can find one locally today and if not I'll put some Locktite on the threads lightly and let it dry and put it back in. I thought of using pipe dope but it get too hard with time and who knows the effect brake fluid would have on it.
Thanks for the help everyone.

[montmil]

...While I have your attention should I see air bibles in the master cylinder each time I punp the brake.

No, you should not. Bubbles indicate air in the closed hydraulic brake system.

Try wrapping a large rubber band around the handlebar brake lever and the hand grip. Try to apply full brake pressure. Leave the band on overnight. This will hep force the air up and out.

A bad bleeder might permit air entry into the system. And aren't the bleed screw threads a tapered pipe thread? I'm too wrung out from yard work today or I'd go measure a spare I have. Need an adult beverage right now. [smiley=beerchug.gif]

Monte

[stockman]

Will do Monte. Have one for me,I gave em up .