bleeder screw wrench

[oldyak]

I cant find a size listed...
I know I need a box wrench but what size?
also has anyone tried the "bleeder *******" Ive read about?
thanks for your thoughts
oldyak

 

[yamahaSHO]

Are you just trying to bleed the brakes??? You can use a cressent wrench if you want. They don't take much torque nor movement to get the job done.

 

[93rev2sev]

Usually they are 10mm and since you are in Tennesee I would agree with jason. In Michigan, some bleeder screws never come out. Ever. I've actually twisted the head off of one or 2. It's so common, in fact, the cute blond checkout girl at Murray's knew to deny me a core refund because of it...until I had a chat with the manager.

 

[oldyak]

Ive been there with Fiats...
Thats why I am asking all these questions.
I need to get the car back on the road and I am trying to eliminate any potential problems b-4 they arise.

 

[Danz13]

7/16th is the size, if they're stuck good try to use a socket to loosen it first

 

[Eric VerValin]

I thought it was 11mm (hair smaller than 7/16")

Honestly... if you have a propane torch, thats what I like to use to loosen those, or brake line fittings. Not hot enough to melt things, but it worked for me a few times.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Use a box-end wrench or socket. I've had bleeder screws that were frozen break-off, and use to live several hours south of Memphis.

The bleeder screw size can vary, especially if the calipers are remans.

 

[mustangracer91]

+1, VA, CA, and OK I've had that issue thanks to PO's overtorqueing them. 90 percent of the time, 10's do the trick, but there are some that are slightly larger...I'd highly recommend the box-end wrench and soaking it w/ PB blaster...I also found that tapping the wrench as apposed to just torquing on it they seem to keep from stripping out as often as well...

 

[Kens1992mtxSHO]

I've used a 10 on mine.

 

[Storm-Chaser]

Yeah, forgot to mention pre-treating with PB Blaster a few days prior . . . .

I've found 3/8", 10mm (OEM, same as 7/16"), and 11mm bleeder screws on SHO/Taurus calipers over the years.

And unless you like re-plumbing brake/fuel lines, I would NEVER use a cresent wrench on any brake/fuel line fitting. Anything other than a flare-nut wrench or 6-point socket and you risk rounding the fitting.


So, wth are "bleeder *******" ?

+1, VA, CA, and OK I've had that issue thanks to PO's overtorqueing them. 90 percent of the time, 10's do the trick, but there are some that are slightly larger...I'd highly recommend the box-end wrench and soaking it w/ PB blaster...I also found that tapping the wrench as apposed to just torquing on it they seem to keep from stripping out as often as well...

 

[Eric VerValin]

I got one off of my truck once... ended up using vise grips, and the torch... was round when it was done.. have it sitting in a jar in the garage It was a fighter.. I was ready to drill it out.. But enough heat and PB, it eventually cracked loose..

Here's another question... say it is stuck really bad, and it does have to get marred up.... are there places to find new ones? Or would you have to get a caliper from AZ, only to return it because it was missing a bleeder screw...

 

[93rev2sev]

I got one off of my truck once... ended up using vise grips, and the torch... was round when it was done.. have it sitting in a jar in the garage It was a fighter.. I was ready to drill it out.. But enough heat and PB, it eventually cracked loose..

Here's another question... say it is stuck really bad, and it does have to get marred up.... are there places to find new ones? Or would you have to get a caliper from AZ, only to return it because it was missing a bleeder screw...

yep, they're available...

If you tried that, i suspect they'd find you one...or at least a good retailer would.

 

[shocrates]

So, wth are "bleeder *******" ?

I believe he is referring to speed bleeders.
I had them and think they are a waste. On some the little ball corroded and wouldn't allow the fluid to come out and others let the fluid out but would let air back in.

 

[SHOZ123]

Use some MAPP gas on them and they come right out.

Speed bleeders are way over rated. I took mine off after they stopped being speed bleeders.

 

[Shoaz]

I'd recommend a box-end wrench as well. Once those dudes get rounded off, life gets a lot worse.

I've used speed bleeders for quite a few years with no trouble. They've saved me a ton of time. That being said, there are other ways to get there.

 

[mustangracer91]

I'd recommend a box-end wrench as well. Once those dudes get rounded off, life gets a lot worse.

I've used speed bleeders for quite a few years with no trouble. They've saved me a ton of time. That being said, there are other ways to get there.

I think 99percent of the issues with the speedbleeders are with location...when you get into northern climates where corrosion is more an issue (aluminum oxide), and salted conditions, the gunk causes those things to fail. I used them when I lived in california and Virginia with no problems, however when I was in SHOcago, I had nothing but issues and I always used the "earl's" brand ones available through Skummit. I use a snap on extra long 10 mm wrench and tap it loose with the palm of my hand, and then I use a little shorty 10 mm to actually open and close the bleeder so I can get the good flow rate. I've got one of those "Vacula" vacuum bleeders, and that works great, also the pressure bleeders which go on the master cylinder are sweet too...also, I've use a "mityvac" hand vacuum pump which has a reservoir for bleeding brakes...

 

[gmorrell]

Measure across the flats, then go to Sears and buy the appropriately sized Flare Nut Wrench.