Hi Guys,

 

I tried to bleed the missus' A3's brakes this weekend. one of the nipples is stuck, it will not budge an inch, mm or micron even. Any ideas?

PlusGas is your friend. Apply it, then go for a cuppa. Your thread should now be freed.

Sorry i thought this was one for "silly joke thread" . When the words missus,inch's,mm, nipple are all there.. Erm maybe im just so immature .  

Plusgas... OK ill go get some.

I'd say get a new nipple and use a stud extractor to remove the old one, it's the quickest and easiest way.

First thing that happens with force is that nipple breaks off leaving the top of the thread showing. At that, it's possible that a stud extractor ( and it would be a small one) would also break, not something you want.So it's either find a machine shop with a drill with face equal to the bottom of the seat or a new caliper. I had this happen on an ancient BL car moons ago. We drilled out the nipple and fitted a ball bearing  inside to compensate for the difference in the drill angle. After that I fitted Eziy Bleed niples ,and never had fluid loss. Once bled I never had air or lossof pressure problems, in the five years after this.

Managed to snap a bleed nipple on a saab 9000, messymessy - ended up having to replace the discs, pads, caliper and left a horrible stain on the driveway - Be prepared for the worst and cover the discs / pads with a plastic bag just in case.

Use Mouse Milk and give the nipple a sharp crack sideways with a hammer to break corrosion etc.

Use a good fitting socket to unscrew the nipple or a ring spanner, hit top of nipple with hammer repeatedly whilst applying steady pressure to the spanner, do not wrench it quickly and be prepared to stop if it doesn't seem to be loosening.

If things go really bad and you've no stud/bolt/screw extractor, tack weld a nut on the nipple.

You could also apply localised heat but beware of damaging rubber seals etc, a hot air gun or BBQ lighter is better than nothing. Be sure to mask of any sensitive areas with cooking foil/food can.

Improvise, adapt, overcome.

or the smallest 'stilly you can get your hands on preferably Record

Try the Plus Gas/WD40, slacken a tad or even tighten a tad, spray again, clean around thread with an old toothbrush/small wire brush - repeat.

 

Go slow !

 

 

Chris

Edited 29 March, 201412 yr by L200man

Try the Plus Gas/WD40, slacken a tad or even tighten a tad, spray again, clean around thread with an old toothbrush/small wire brush - repeat.

 

Go slow !

 

 

Chris

Brilliant advice !!!!

Indeed! Patience is key. Spray it up and leave it overnight before you start.

 

I tend to use molegrips rather than spanners. Obviously have a new bleed nipple to hand, and give the thread the tiniest dab of copper slip.

if it is in the caliper take it off and spray wd40 in it and leave it and then spray more on the nipple and then put some mull grips on it and try and turn it if it shears change the caliper i ve got one off an octavia if will fit depends on model and engine size. if it is in the rear wheel cylinder not a chance just replace it can get one for £10