[Cornerz]

No-one had any feedback in the "other" forum, maybe someone has some experience here?

I'd like to do a full brake fluid flush on my 06 2.2D with unknown service history...

My youtube feed is now flooding me with horror stories of seized brake bleed nipples. The guys at Kwik-Fit weren't brave enough to crack them open at the risk of snapping/stripping/rounding the nipples.

Q: How often do X Type owners end up with seized brake bleed nipples?

 

[chrisjp]

I know this isn't much use to you at the moment but, whenever I get a new-to-me car, I go round it, make sure there are rubber caps on the bleed nipples and then paint the nipples and the surrounding area with Hammerite underseal. This stuff never sets completely and keeps moisture out of the threads. As long as the car isn't too old this stops seizing. In your situation with an unknown quantity car, I would put some penetrating fluid on each bleed nipple and leave it for a day or so, then try to undo them. If clearly reluctant to turn I would apply a little heat and try again. Another trick is to tighten the nipple very slightly before trying to loosen it.
If the worst comes to the worst and a nipple shears off then the only real answer is a new caliper. This is not quite as disastrous as it might seem - calipers bought on the aftermarket aren't hugely expensive and there aren't that hard to fit.

 

[FlatCap]

Soon as your backs turned, Its like seizing is there job.

 

[cam]

13 years of ownership and 4 X's never had a brake nipple seize (touch wood), I always use a deep 6 sided socket to crack them then a spanner for bleeding.

 

[ducmon]

You can also use malt vinegar to break the seal. Just make sure that you use it before anybody has tried penetrating oil.

Make sure you clean it off as it is a mild acid.

 

[ducmon]

If it has sheared then weld a nut onto the nipple using a mig. The thermal shock also means that the remains of the nipple comes out.

 

[Cornerz]

Thanks all... lots of good advice here.

It'll probably have to wait until spring so I don't freeze while doing it!🥶

 

[Mike_Hammond]

You can get stainless nipples (oo er missus!) if you manage to get them out.

 

[Cornerz]

You can get stainless nipples (oo er missus!) if you manage to get them out.

That will help archaeologists one day when they dig up four of them in a patch of iron rich soil... 🦕

But seriously - will definitely replace all four if when I get them out.

 

[Cornerz]

If it has sheared then weld a nut onto the nipple using a mig. The thermal shock also means that the remains of the nipple comes out.

Should probably get myself a mig welder, just in case right? 🤓

 

[ducmon]

Should probably get myself a mig welder, just in case right? 🤓

A very good excuse to give to your partner to why you just had to buy one.

 

[JimboV8]

Instead of buying things you may not need, why not just try it.

 

[Cornerz]

Instead of buying things you may not need, why not just try it.

I think you're mistaking my "needs" and my "wants"

Will definitely need a bit more justification than just "more stuff for that old thing in the driveway" (her words... not mine)

 

[ducmon]

Does your wife know mine?

I even offered no sex for 6 months but that did not work!

 

[Euan Tausney]

I just bought a set of these. braided hoses on order with stainless fittings, before a fluid change.

 

[Black Pig]

A spot of Tef-Gel or synthetic grease to prevent dissimilar metal fusion, will keep them free forever

 

[nicam49]

That IS a most useful suggestion.! I also put copper slip grease on the threads of my glowplugs and have no problems when I need to remove them.

 

[Euan Tausney]

I use this stuff, on all bolts/nuts.

 

[JimboV8]

I use this stuff, on all bolts/nuts. View attachment 60940

Tis really good stuff too.

 

[Euan Tausney]

Tis really good stuff too.

Tis a bugger getting of your hands though!