Put new front 312mm brakes on the son's Fabia VRS (2005 model) and decided to bleed the whole system again even though it was done about a year ago by a garage.

The rear bleed nipples were really hard to undo and were even harder to tighten upto a point where they would stop weeping brake fluid. I was worried that they might snap off !

Considering that 10nm is the recommended torque for these nipples I think one possibility is that the garage has over-tightened them in the past.

What should have been a quick job has taken ages to get right and Im still thinking about replacing the rear nipples altogether.

Anyone else had problems with their nipples ?

The rear oes seize up al lthe time, not uncommon at all.

Due to their upwards orientation.

The rear oes seize up al lthe time, not uncommon at all.

Due to their upwards orientation.

Ross

Any solution to this problem other than an extra heave ho on the spanner ?

And my apologises to the garage.

Plenty of lube and work it in and out. A socket works better as it give better grip.

Plenty of lube and work it in and out. A socket works better as it give better grip.

Any particular lubricant recommended ?

ky

Any particular lubricant recommended ?

copper slip on the threads

There are some penetrating oils available that you can soak the threads with. One brand that comes to mind is 'Easol' but others are now available.

Give the nipple a wire brushing, then soak in penetrating fluid, I use PlusGas.

It is quite easy to snap them if you don't use this oil, as my dad did when bleeding my brakes on my old car. If tight use a socket and a breaker bar.

Edited 16 April, 200917 yr by Jim H

If they leak past a little it could be the taper on the end of the nipple

If they leak past a little it could be the taper on the end of the nipple

I'd say if they end up getting tight to turn and weep then just buy new ones from dealer, they will not cost much and I think that normally the nipple material is softer than the calliper body, so the taper section ends up getting a flat section forced around the taper - this is normally due to over tightening!

Hello,

I am about to bleed the total braking system on my 4 year-old Fabia VRS, and really digesting every-ones input, of which I am really appreciative.

Would any-one know the thread pitch and diameter of rear and front bleed nipples, as I could re-cut thread in calipers and replace with new ( copper greased ) nipples.??

Secondly, (another thread) covers different brake fluid types, that can be used, this is all very academic.

My owners manuel states as follows specification is " FMVSS 116 DOT 4 "

Open to all, for help and guidance, and thank everyone in advance.

Ian. 26/05/2009

Edited 26 May, 200917 yr by giandougl
Update From Owners Manuel

Right, I looked into this when I decided to replace the front valves on my Passat (meant to replace all 4 but ETOS said front same as rear - and they are not exactly). You will need to buy a tap from a machine shop supplier as its something like M10 X 1.0 - so that means that it is not a standard thread size. As said already, just replace them that will be a lot cheaper than a non-standard tap size. Most if not all the "curd" will be on the bleed valve threads as the calliper thread areas that will need cleaned up will be the outer section - and that will get cleaned up by the vlave that you are removing. If you really want to see dodgey brake valves then take a look at some like Fords maybe with shoes on the rear - very small valves fitted with very hard plastic covers = very dirty chocked and rusty valves that mainly "melt" away due to salt/water - not nice!

Skoda will have used yellow coloured DOT4 stuff - the new equivalent stuff is not called DOT4 as its spec sneeks in just a wee bit above DOT4 (can't see why they can't call it DOT4 though).

Don't mess about recutting threads, it too much bother,just use new skoda bleed nipples after removing the old uns.

Don't use copper grease on the threads, it's really not neccessary plus the nipple could work it's self loose with so much vibration in the wheel hubs, torgueing the nipple into the caliper correctley is adequate and won't leak if the seat & surrounding area is clean and flat.

If you have a standard car and standard brakes any reputable DOT4 fluid is suitable.

Went to local Skoda dealership for new nipples. None in stock. I am still waiting after 3 weeks !!! - they are on "back order" - whatever that means !

Been to several other car parts places - none have got compatible bleed nipples.

I will take a trip to my local Audi place as they seem to be able to get parts faster than the Skoda dealer.

Any suggestions ?

Went to local Skoda dealership for new nipples. None in stock. I am still waiting after 3 weeks !!! - they are on "back order" - whatever that means !

Been to several other car parts places - none have got compatible bleed nipples.

I will take a trip to my local Audi place as they seem to be able to get parts faster than the Skoda dealer.

Any suggestions ?

Worth trying Seat & VW dealers as well, I would think these parts would be a bread & butter item sitting on dealers shelves.

Went to local Skoda dealership for new nipples. None in stock. I am still waiting after 3 weeks !!! - they are on "back order" - whatever that means !

Been to several other car parts places - none have got compatible bleed nipples.

I will take a trip to my local Audi place as they seem to be able to get parts faster than the Skoda dealer.

Any suggestions ?

back order = "we haven't got any" and what's more, our supplier hasn't got any either, and most likely there aren't any in the country and we'll have to wait till some more come in from Outer Monglia

back order = "we haven't got any" and what's more, our supplier hasn't got any either, and most likely there aren't any in the country and we'll have to wait till some more come in from Outer Monglia

lol - yep i was kinda thinking thats what it meant.

phone around a few Breakers. They may have a newer car,with bad damage to wheel area,including callipers, which they cannot sell complete. The nipple is very unlikely to be damaged .

back order = "we haven't got any" and what's more, our supplier hasn't got any either, and most likely there aren't any in the country and we'll have to wait till some more come in from Outer Monglia

The joking use of "Outer Mongolia" might be a bit too close to the truth!?!

The Skoda dealer have still not been able to source any replacement bleed nipples :thumbdwn:

Ive been waiting three months now - luckily Ive not needed to touch them in that time. But Ive got an MOT coming up and so I better get this sorted.

Anyone know the part numbers for the bleed nipples for standard Fabia VRS rear brakes and 312mm Octavia/TT front brakes. Im going to try other VAG dealers now.

I thought Id seen them somewhere on here but cant find the thread yet.

found it :

The 312 bleed nipples are:

1K0 615 273A

&

211 611 483 for the dust cap that goes on it

The rear Fabia VRS nipples are however:

4D0 615 273 so almost the same

The dust caps are the same as above.