Brake Problems...venting - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Ackattack · 09-29-2002, 07:44 PM

Well nothing ever seems to go very easy for me. I was working on bleeding the brakes today. I get 3 of them done, and get to the front passenger side. The little bleeder valve (I think that is what you'd call it) was stuck shut. I had the right size wrench and everything, cranking on it and rounded it off (I think it's mad of aluminum). So I figure, well I'm going to replace it anyways, so I got out the vise grips and tried and tried to get it. It's stuck. So I'm like shoot. I get out the drill and drill a hole through it and use a bolt extractor...snap!!! break it off. Now the bolt extractor is stuck in the hole. So I take the old dremel tool, and just cut it off, and drill another hole. Put in a bigger bolt extractor....and snap!!! Break it off. So I take the hole caliper off of the truck and try to drill out the bolt extractor along with everything else....well the bolt extractor is made of hardened tool steel and I can't drill through it. So in conclusion, I have to get a new brake caliper. I figured I'd get one at the salvage yard, but I'm worried about it leaking. So should I get one at the salvage yard, or just go get a new one at the parts store. Oh, and if you didn't pick up on it, I have front disc brakes.

Gordo · 09-29-2002, 08:18 PM

I would inquire about a rebuilt at this point, maybe two (L&R). They ain't that costly and good brakes are #1 priority!

cableguy0 · 09-29-2002, 08:22 PM

i'd just replace em both its easier in the long run. stay away from junkyard brake parts u never know what shape they are in and theres only one way to test em which is tryin to stop which can be one he!! of an experience with a locking caliper

pickup6772 · 09-30-2002, 04:40 AM

AS MENTIONED BY THE OTHER GUYS, GO AND BUY BOTH CALIPERS AT A PARTS STORE. THEY'RE NOT THAT EXPENSIVE, AND YOU'LL HAVE PEACE OF MIND. WHILE YOU HAVE IT APART, REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES GOING TO THE CALIPERS.DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, JUST DO IT!!!!BRAKES ARE DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING YOU SCREEW AROUND WITH!!!

bobs409 · 09-30-2002, 08:10 AM

A tip on loosening bleeders: Spray with WD-40 or similar, hit a few times with a hammer, then tighten the bleeder just a bit. The bleeder should then turn loose with no problems.

I just did this on 2 of the bleeders on my '63 Impala that haven't been opened since the 70's! They opened right up.

09-29-2002, 08:18 PM	#2
Gordo Registered User Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Killingworth, CT. USA Posts: 3,378	I would inquire about a rebuilt at this point, maybe two (L&R). They ain't that costly and good brakes are #1 priority! __________________ 1971 C10 swb stepside 350/700R4/3.73posi (retired as of 4/22/03) 1998 S10 short bed 2002 S10 Blazer 1942 Oldsmobile 1958 Massey Harris Pony 1951 Wife Killingworth, Connecticut May those who love us, love us, any of those who do not love us, may God turn their hearts. And if God is unable to turn their hearts, may he turn their ankles so we may know them by their limping. A man who works with his hands is a laborer; a man who works with his hands and his brain is a craftsman; but a man who works with his hands and his brain and his heart is an artist.

09-29-2002, 08:22 PM	#3
cableguy0 Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Delta,Pa Posts: 14,948	i'd just replace em both its easier in the long run. stay away from junkyard brake parts u never know what shape they are in and theres only one way to test em which is tryin to stop which can be one he!! of an experience with a locking caliper __________________ Owner of North Point Car Care in Dundalk Md. We specialize in custom exhaust on both modern and classic vehicles. We are a full service auto shop from classics to modern vehicles. Feel free to contact me with questions. I will give a 10% discount to any board member.

09-30-2002, 08:10 AM	#5
bobs409 1969 Custom 30 wrecker Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Pottsville, Pa Posts: 2,611	A tip on loosening bleeders: Spray with WD-40 or similar, hit a few times with a hammer, then tighten the bleeder just a bit. The bleeder should then turn loose with no problems. I just did this on 2 of the bleeders on my '63 Impala that haven't been opened since the 70's! They opened right up. __________________ Bob 63 Impala 283/PG/3.36 (under restoration) 66 Impala 327/PG/3.36 66 Chevelle SS 409/M22/3.55 69 Chevelle 307/PG/3.08 (future restoration) 69 C10 short stepside 454/TH350/3.73 69 Custom 30 tow truck 350/4 spd/4.10 (resto done, CRUISIN TIME!) 71 Cheyenne 20 fleetside 350/4 spd/4.10 71 Chevelle 6/PG/3.08 72 Chevelle 454/M21/4.10

09-29-2002, 07:44 PM	#1
Ackattack Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Valley Center KS Posts: 3,524	Brake Problems...venting Well nothing ever seems to go very easy for me. I was working on bleeding the brakes today. I get 3 of them done, and get to the front passenger side. The little bleeder valve (I think that is what you'd call it) was stuck shut. I had the right size wrench and everything, cranking on it and rounded it off (I think it's mad of aluminum). So I figure, well I'm going to replace it anyways, so I got out the vise grips and tried and tried to get it. It's stuck. So I'm like shoot. I get out the drill and drill a hole through it and use a bolt extractor...snap!!! break it off. Now the bolt extractor is stuck in the hole. So I take the old dremel tool, and just cut it off, and drill another hole. Put in a bigger bolt extractor....and snap!!! Break it off. So I take the hole caliper off of the truck and try to drill out the bolt extractor along with everything else....well the bolt extractor is made of hardened tool steel and I can't drill through it. So in conclusion, I have to get a new brake caliper. I figured I'd get one at the salvage yard, but I'm worried about it leaking. So should I get one at the salvage yard, or just go get a new one at the parts store. Oh, and if you didn't pick up on it, I have front disc brakes. __________________ Project Bruiser: 68 Pro-Touring C-10 5.3L / 4L60E Project Ironhide: 97 GMC Crew Cab 4x4 Cummins SOLD: '69 GMC 1/2T SWB TBI'd: Project No Buck Assembly Manual Index Sign up Thread!!! Factory Service Manual Index

09-30-2002, 04:40 AM	#4
pickup6772 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: MASTIC BEACH, long island, ny Posts: 362	AS MENTIONED BY THE OTHER GUYS, GO AND BUY BOTH CALIPERS AT A PARTS STORE. THEY'RE NOT THAT EXPENSIVE, AND YOU'LL HAVE PEACE OF MIND. WHILE YOU HAVE IT APART, REPLACE THE BRAKE HOSES GOING TO THE CALIPERS.DON'T THINK ABOUT IT, JUST DO IT!!!!BRAKES ARE DEFINITELY NOT SOMETHING YOU SCREEW AROUND WITH!!!



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