stripped brake bleeder fitting

[fishingdan]

So.....I moved a disc brake system from one trailer to another. In the final stretch, I bled the brakes by using the bleeder nipples on each caliper. On the last one (naturally), I unfortunately over tightened it and stripped some of the female threads in the caliper.

Is there anything I can do other than replace the caliper?

Thanks,
Dan

 

[Splat]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

You could re-tap it and get a larger sized bleeder.

HOWEVER you'll need to remove the caliper from the trailer to do it, and be very careful (actually anal retentive) not to get metal shavings in the caliper. Since you have to pull the caliper off anyways, just replace it. It's really a MUCH better idea. These are the brakes were talking about, hate to have them fail when you need them most.

Bill

 

[dingbat]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Been there, done that.

If it's a Tiedown disc forget it. They machined the port right into the housing itself. No way to drill out the bleed fitting without destroying the mating surface.

On the Kodaiks they used a 2 piece fitting and so it's not a big deal to drill out the fitting and start from over.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

They are tiedowns.

I guess I probably should get a new caliper. Do I have to order a tiedown caliper or is this just a rebranded auto caliper? If I remember the brake pads are equivalent to something like a 93 chevy cavalier.

Thanks

 

[45Auto]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

You should be able to weld it up and re-tap it.

Probably cheaper to buy a new caliper if you can't do it yourself or have a buddy that'll do it for you.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

I think it will be cheaper, faster and a guaranteed fix by purchasing a new one. I thought they were more expensive than they are. Crazy me....I assumed a boat related part would be exponentially more expensive than the same part elsewhere. In this case, I'm glad that I was wrong.

Thanks!

 

[DanMcK]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Dan: is it possible to use a Heli-coil.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Long story short....I had to reposition the brake caliper to get enough clearance for the brake lines. In doing so, the stripped bleeder is no longer the one I use to bleed that caliper (I use the one on the other side). As a result, I cheaped out and epoxied it in. It seems to be holding fine after two trips. I will replace the caliper in the spring.

 

[45Auto]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Keep a close eye on the brake fluid till you get a permanent fix. I would hate to trust my brakes to a glued in fitting. Wouldn't be much fun if it leaked out on you and you suddenly needed the brakes ...........

 

[dingbat]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

The seat for the bleeder is machined into the caliper housing. A repair would require drilling out the old bleeder, welding up the hole then machining a new seat.

 

[fishingdan]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Thanks 45, I will definitely be doing that. I don't consider my fix permanenet in any way and I understand the risk of my choice.

Regarding welding, drilling and tapping, I Probably won't bother. I found that a replacement caliper is only about $50.

Thank you for the comments.
Dan

 

[keelhauled]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

Dorman makes a bleeder repair kit you can use if you drill out the fitting and re-tap. It comes with a brass insert that has a new seat. I used one on my Polaris ATV and it's been holding for a long time, but use your best judgement on something that will be on the road!

 

[fishingdan]

Re: stripped brake bleeder fitting

The epoxy is holding for now. I have had 4 or 5 100 mile trips without an issue. Given there are only a couple weeks of this season remaining for me, I will leave it as is for this season and then replace the caliper in the spring.

Thanks