Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ryan5O · 08-08-2011, 11:13 PM

I was bleeding my brakes line today and the zerk fitting to my rear drum brake was pretty rusted and didnt want to give. I ended up snapping it off flush with my drums. Anyone had any experience like this? What are my options? Thanks in advance.

Longhorn Man · 08-08-2011, 11:17 PM

I'd just replace the brake cylinder. (and it was a bleeder valve... zerks are for grease)

**too much stuff** · 08-08-2011, 11:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Longhorn Man

I'd just replace the brake cylinder. (and it was a bleeder valve... zerks are for grease)

Longhornman speaks words of wisdom! They are not real spendy.

Ryan5O · 08-08-2011, 11:23 PM

Doh, bleeder valve! Its been a long day. Im guessing I'll have to drill it out?

ChevyLvr4Life · 08-08-2011, 11:22 PM

You could try and e-z out/screw extractor to remove the remains of the bleeder screw, (I haven't had much luck with them) and replace the bleeder, or just replace the wheel cylinder. Bout the only 2 choices you have in my opinion. Good luck

stealthy '69 · 08-09-2011, 12:35 AM

Like Longhorn said, I'd replace the entire cylinder. Just the 2 bolts on each side and the line is all that holds it in, obviously you'd need to pull the drum and related parts to get to it. (ie, shoes, springs, hardware, bla, bla, bla)

Jacfourteen · 08-09-2011, 01:53 AM

just change the wheel cylender, if you drill it out you will have to take it apart anyway to get all the metal flakes out and if its apart you might as well change it. They are only about $15 or so.

brad_man_72 · 08-09-2011, 07:38 AM

spend an hour drilling, break 3 drill bits, buy a $5 bleeder to have a 40 year old wheel cylinder. Or $15 for a new one that comes w a bleeder.

**lolife99** · 08-09-2011, 07:53 AM

Also put a little dab of "anti-seize" on the new bleeder threads,... and it will never freeze up again.

**special-K** · 08-09-2011, 07:59 AM

I can't remember ever bleeding brakes and not having at least one bleeder snap off on me. And,I soak with PB Blaster bigtime before even trying. I replace the wheel cylinder or caliper. It's just not worth the effort to try to get them out. They seriously corrode and pit in there. I also always anti-seize "ALL" the bleeders.It's just not worth the hassle.

PanelDeland · 08-09-2011, 02:21 PM

Replace both wheel cyl on that endd of the truck.It's a safety item and will be money well spent.

Hubscrub · 08-09-2011, 09:40 PM

as said above replace the wheel cylinders not hard at all and not many $$ i just did mine a couple months ago

Ryan5O · 08-10-2011, 12:03 AM

Thanks guys for the insight. I bought two brake cylinders today for $6.99 each. This will be the first time for me. Done plenty of drum brake work, but never replaced the cylinder. When I first broke off that valve, I just kinda stared at it and thought....crap. Looks like a easy fix though.

**special-K** · 08-10-2011, 06:19 AM

The problem with drilling them out is it's not very deep and you don't want to damage the seat at the bottom. Plus,brake fluid just eats stuff up and new is better.

MalibuSSwagon · 08-10-2011, 06:39 AM

My dad always told me you have to replace them in pairs or the increased pressure from the new one will blow the old cylinder out.

Tx Firefighter · 08-10-2011, 06:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MalibuSSwagon

My dad always told me you have to replace them in pairs or the increased pressure from the new one will blow the old cylinder out.

In a hydraulic system, the pressure is the same throughout, whether new or old they have the same pressure within them. The piston in the master cylinder dictates the pressure that the wheel cylinders receive.

mrein3 · 08-10-2011, 08:10 AM

If I had a nickle for every bleeder I snapped off up here in the rust belt I'd be a millionare.

You are on the right track getting a new wheel cylinder.

Now go buy a propane torch or get a fresh bottle of gas if you already have one. You're going to need it. Heat that fitting up real good. You don't have to worry about wrecking the wheel cylinder because it is going in the trash can already.

When I get to where you are I also have a piece of brake line ready because even when heated up you still run a pretty good chance of twisting the steel line apart.

IF you twist the line off CUT the other end of the line off right behind the fitting and use a 6-point socket to remove that fitting. Again use heat before you make the situation worse.

Not that I've been there before.

Ryan5O · 08-10-2011, 08:41 AM

Ahhhhh, I knew it sounded too easy. Thanks for the heads up.

eagleuh1 · 08-10-2011, 12:40 PM

PB Blaster a day or 2 ahead usually works for me. But its too late for you. New is good. Might as well buy the new brake line also, it will probably twist off.

Ryan5O · 08-10-2011, 05:49 PM

Paid for the cylinders yesterday and picked them up this morning. Was really bumbed out to see that theyre made in China. Should I sucked it up or are there some other options?

eagleuh1 · 08-10-2011, 06:24 PM

Be prepared, if you're going to be doing much repairing of your truck, to salute the Chinese flag, cause most everything is made in China, or Taiwan for sheet metal. Sad to say. I have gotten a few parts though made in Turkey, Mexico and even some from the USA. Glad somebody is making the parts though, just sorry it isn't us. Good luck with the fix. Jim

Kidd-7 · 08-10-2011, 07:15 PM

I normally deal with NAPA mainly for the china reason, plus there's always an ol' guy that knows something. Anyway, I replace mine a few years ago, it wasn't $6.99, but I can't say for sure it was USA either, NAPA does seem to be the best for quality and most USA.

Ryan5O · 08-10-2011, 07:18 PM

So far Ive tried Napa and Oreilly's. The Chevy dealer is currently trying to find one for me.

Kidd-7 · 08-10-2011, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ryan5O

So far Ive tried Napa and Oreilly's. The Chevy dealer is currently trying to find one for me.

Keep us informed of what you find...

Ryan5O · 08-10-2011, 11:31 PM

Will do. He never called me back. Ill touch base with the parts manager in the morning to see whats going on. My gut feeling is that his parts will be foreign as well.

08-08-2011, 11:13 PM	#1
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting I was bleeding my brakes line today and the zerk fitting to my rear drum brake was pretty rusted and didnt want to give. I ended up snapping it off flush with my drums. Anyone had any experience like this? What are my options? Thanks in advance. Attached Images __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

08-08-2011, 11:17 PM	#2
Longhorn Man its all about the +6 inches Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Hilliard Ohio Posts: 2,690	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting I'd just replace the brake cylinder. (and it was a bleeder valve... zerks are for grease)

08-08-2011, 11:23 PM	#4
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Bleeder Valve Doh, bleeder valve! Its been a long day. Im guessing I'll have to drill it out? __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

08-08-2011, 11:22 PM	#5
ChevyLvr4Life Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Martinsville, VA Posts: 150	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting You could try and e-z out/screw extractor to remove the remains of the bleeder screw, (I haven't had much luck with them) and replace the bleeder, or just replace the wheel cylinder. Bout the only 2 choices you have in my opinion. Good luck __________________ 1970 Chevy C10 LWB 307 3OTT 3.73 gear

08-09-2011, 01:53 AM	#7
Jacfourteen Big Red - Now its a SWB! Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oroville, Ca Posts: 1,624	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting just change the wheel cylender, if you drill it out you will have to take it apart anyway to get all the metal flakes out and if its apart you might as well change it. They are only about $15 or so. __________________ 68 3/4 ton (Project)-350 Small Block, .030 over, 10:1 comp, 3998993 heads, C3BX edelbrock intake, comp cams XE268, Holley 670 SA, long tube headers, dual flow 40's, E-fan, Alum rad, currently under the knife getting shortened and bagged build thread 41 3/4 ton (wife's)-flatbed, fully restored to original 01 Tahoe LT 4WD (my daily driver)-Magnaflow Muffler, Rollin on 22's 02 Ford Mustang Convertable (Wife's Car)-Flowmaster 50, Clear corners, Intake, sittin on 18's

08-09-2011, 07:38 AM	#8
brad_man_72 the boat guy Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: springfield mo Posts: 2,339	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting spend an hour drilling, break 3 drill bits, buy a $5 bleeder to have a 40 year old wheel cylinder. Or $15 for a new one that comes w a bleeder.

08-09-2011, 07:53 AM	#9
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,700	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Also put a little dab of "anti-seize" on the new bleeder threads,... and it will never freeze up again. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

08-09-2011, 07:59 AM	#10
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting I can't remember ever bleeding brakes and not having at least one bleeder snap off on me. And,I soak with PB Blaster bigtime before even trying. I replace the wheel cylinder or caliper. It's just not worth the effort to try to get them out. They seriously corrode and pit in there. I also always anti-seize "ALL" the bleeders.It's just not worth the hassle. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-09-2011, 02:21 PM	#11
PanelDeland I am a Referee of life. Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Greensboro N.C. Posts: 13,992	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Replace both wheel cyl on that endd of the truck.It's a safety item and will be money well spent. __________________ The 47-present Chevrolet and GMC Truck Message Board Network,it's owners,moderators,members,and associates of any type should not be held responsible for my opinion. You can't fix stupid,not even with duct tape. "My appearance is due to the fact that "GOD" does punish you for having too much fun!" Barrett-Jackson has perfected alchemy,they make rust into gold! "You can lead a horse to water but you can't saddle a duck" "Cleverly disguised as a 'Responsible Adult' "Sometimes your Knight in shining armor is just a retard in tinfoil"

08-09-2011, 09:40 PM	#12
Hubscrub Cruzin Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: on the road Posts: 2,835	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting as said above replace the wheel cylinders not hard at all and not many $$ i just did mine a couple months ago Attached Images __________________ Lime Wife's 67https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...wZEMODaS2d94u8 Back to the Fifties 59 https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...NAeStpydfrcj_U Proverbs 3:5,6 "Thanks to the Interstate Highway System, it is now possible to travel across the country from coast to coast without seeing anything."Charles Kuralt In memory of our first baby daughter, daddy and mommy love you. Danica Grace 6/26/14

08-10-2011, 12:03 AM	#13
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Thanks guys for the insight. I bought two brake cylinders today for $6.99 each. This will be the first time for me. Done plenty of drum brake work, but never replaced the cylinder. When I first broke off that valve, I just kinda stared at it and thought....crap. Looks like a easy fix though. __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

08-10-2011, 06:19 AM	#14
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,851	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting The problem with drilling them out is it's not very deep and you don't want to damage the seat at the bottom. Plus,brake fluid just eats stuff up and new is better. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

08-10-2011, 06:39 AM	#15
MalibuSSwagon Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Weare,NH Posts: 1,592	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting My dad always told me you have to replace them in pairs or the increased pressure from the new one will blow the old cylinder out. __________________ Eric 1992 Oldsmobile Custom Cruiser 1986 Chevrolet C10\|5.3L\|TKO600\|Shortbed\|Custom Deluxe 1983 Malibu Wagon\|TPI 305\|T5 5 speed\|3.73 non-posi

08-10-2011, 08:10 AM	#17
mrein3 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2000 Location: Center City, MN, USA Posts: 3,254	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting If I had a nickle for every bleeder I snapped off up here in the rust belt I'd be a millionare. You are on the right track getting a new wheel cylinder. Now go buy a propane torch or get a fresh bottle of gas if you already have one. You're going to need it. Heat that fitting up real good. You don't have to worry about wrecking the wheel cylinder because it is going in the trash can already. When I get to where you are I also have a piece of brake line ready because even when heated up you still run a pretty good chance of twisting the steel line apart. IF you twist the line off CUT the other end of the line off right behind the fitting and use a 6-point socket to remove that fitting. Again use heat before you make the situation worse. Not that I've been there before. __________________ '70 cab, '71 chassis, 383, TH350, NP205. '71 Malibu convertible '72 Malibu hard top Center City, MN

08-10-2011, 08:41 AM	#18
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Ahhhhh, I knew it sounded too easy. Thanks for the heads up. __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"



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08-10-2011, 12:40 PM	#19
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting PB Blaster a day or 2 ahead usually works for me. But its too late for you. New is good. Might as well buy the new brake line also, it will probably twist off.

08-10-2011, 05:49 PM	#20
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Paid for the cylinders yesterday and picked them up this morning. Was really bumbed out to see that theyre made in China. Should I sucked it up or are there some other options? __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

08-10-2011, 06:24 PM	#21
eagleuh1 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Russellville, Arkansas Posts: 1,699	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Be prepared, if you're going to be doing much repairing of your truck, to salute the Chinese flag, cause most everything is made in China, or Taiwan for sheet metal. Sad to say. I have gotten a few parts though made in Turkey, Mexico and even some from the USA. Glad somebody is making the parts though, just sorry it isn't us. Good luck with the fix. Jim

08-10-2011, 07:15 PM	#22
Kidd-7 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: RTP, NC Posts: 518	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting I normally deal with NAPA mainly for the china reason, plus there's always an ol' guy that knows something. Anyway, I replace mine a few years ago, it wasn't $6.99, but I can't say for sure it was USA either, NAPA does seem to be the best for quality and most USA. __________________ 71 C-10 - 307 - 3 on tree 01 Ford Explorer 5.0 v8 96 Mercury Cougar v8 79 Trans Am 403 Olds

08-10-2011, 07:18 PM	#23
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting So far Ive tried Napa and Oreilly's. The Chevy dealer is currently trying to find one for me. __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

08-10-2011, 11:31 PM	#25
Ryan5O Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Spokane WA Posts: 198	Re: Snapped Rear Brake Zerk Fitting Will do. He never called me back. Ill touch base with the parts manager in the morning to see whats going on. My gut feeling is that his parts will be foreign as well. __________________ USCG "Support Search & Rescue, Get Lost"

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