Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 09:10:33 +0000 From: Grunff <grunffnopsam.com> Subject: Re: The stupid mechanic broke the caliper bleeder screw
P R wrote: > as I asked him to flush and bleed the brakes. The screw half > is still stuch in the caliper and was unable to bleed the system > properly. At first he tried to hide the fact from me but I couldn't > help notice it since the brake pedal felt soft. Now, other than > the fact that I can't bleed that caliper (rear right) should I be concerned > with the current caliper. I also found out that he used a torch to loosen > the screw (what an idiot) so the concern I have is the torche melting > something inside the caliper. If they haven't been unscrewed in a long time, they can be a real b!tch. I once spent half a day bleeding my brakes, most of that time spent trying to undo the nipples. So I have *some* sympathy with your mechanic, but you're right, he's an idiot for trying to hide it. We all break things sometimes, and the best approach is to just fix it. Using a little heat is one way of freeing up seized screws, so it's not totally crazy that he used a torch. But on a caliper you do have to be really careful. The seals will take a lot before melting, but they will melt. You still have the problem of the broken nipple - that caliper hasn't been bled, and presumably needs bleeding. You're going to need to drill out the old nipple, clean up the thread, and put in a new one. Once you've bled the system, check for leaks from the heated side. If all is well, then don't worry about it for now. -- Grunff