frozen and stripped off shoulders on brake bleeder screw?

[big blue 72]

on the front pass. side. i cant get it to budge and dont wanna break it off.
how do i get it out?

[Oldtruckfanatic]

They usually won't break although thats not a garrantee. When I have frozen bleed screws (they always strip the hex) I use a small vise grip to break it loose and then just replace it. unfortunately you pretty much have to take your chances because heat is not really an option. You might be able to put a punch on the side of it and wrap it slightly, Since its a seated screw it might help free it up. Thats about all I can think of I hope you get it out.

[BUDDY]

I tore mine up a few years back & had to take it off completely & use the torch to get it out. Turned out badly. Now that caliper is locked up & needs to be replaced. Wish I had something constructive to add.

Good luck,

Buddy

[tom71]

there are sockets that have a sharp cutting thread in them i believe they go in the right hand (ibelieve )direction so when you turn the socket left to loosen they bite into the stripped bolt , thesework very well to remove stripped bolts and nuts there is two varieties there is one with many reverse threads , these are not as good as the ones with less (5 or so ) i would try to find one of these sockets small enough to work .

[Blazerb61]

I have those sockets they sell them at Sears They work GREAT well worth the money

[OLDCHEV4X4]

heat it with a propane torch and hope for the best. Rebuilt calipers aren't that expensive at Auto Zone.

[mrein3]

Originally Posted by Oldtruckfanatic

They usually won't break although thats not a garrantee. When I have frozen bleed screws (they always strip the hex) I use a small vise grip to break it loose and then just replace it.

I used to work in a repair shop here in the salt belt. I personally busted many bleeder screws.

If you are REALLY lucky, it will come out with a vise grips after soaking it over night with a quality penetrating oil. Don't use heat. That will kill the caliper for sure. If you really don't want to throw the caliper away, and you break off the bleeder, try an easy out. But now you risk getting metal shavings in the caliper.

I would start getting prepared to buy a new caliper. If it was a rear wheel cylinder (or front on a front drum brake truck), I wouldn't even waste the time. A new one is what? $10? What does a rebuilt caliper cost? $20? What is your time worth?

[cdowns]

when i get to the point you're at i've found it's time and cost effective to just go to the auto parts store and buy new calipers or cylinders

[wolfthing2000]

Use Gibbs Lubricating Oil

[faribran]

PLEAZZZZ dont buy anything from Autozone..

bad news.

[stingray72]

I did this last weekend on my corvette. Vice Grips worked for me

[OLDCHEV4X4]

I never had a problem using a propane torch. It dosent get as hot as oxy acetalene.

[shelby987]

Vise grips....if you are really strapped to get a good hold, tighted the screw just past where you can close it by hand, and use a set of channel locks to close it up.

[glock35ipsc]

Originally Posted by cdowns

when i get to the point you're at i've found it's time and cost effective to just go to the auto parts store and buy new calipers or cylinders

I agree. Those parts are cheap, my time is worth more.

[big blue 72]

thanks gang, vise grips and heat took it out tonight in about 10 minutes. gravity bleeding as I type, (and drink celebratory beers)!!!!!!!!

[OLDCHEV4X4]

good deal!

[wolfthing2000]

Gibbs!