Gotta love those PO maintenace habits!

[zachmac]

I broke off the bleeder valve on my left rear caliper the other day trying to get it out to rebuild the caliper. Decided what the heck, I'll just buy a rebuilt one versus the pain and agony of trying to get the broken bleeder screw out and deal with any consequences of that. BUT, figured I'd try heat and penetrating oil on the other one on the bench to try to save buying two. Lo and behold when I went to do it today I realized the PO had already beat me to it by breaking off the bleeder on that side and just leaving it that way. Sooo, I am guessing it's been a while since my rear lines were flushed and the brakes bled, ya think!

Fortunately Advance Auto can have me a new pair here tomorrow for a reasonable price and then I can start the whole flush and bleed process. I'll pump plenty of fluid out the open lines first so I don't pump a bunch of crap into the new units. Maybe the rears will actually contribute to the stopping process after this?

[So Cal Mark]

what a dreamer!

[wachuko]

what a dreamer!

Stock brakes are that poor or you just having some fun?

[pooldoctorstl]

Make sure you check the functionality and adjustment of the compensator valve before you button it all up. If the rear brakes were not working, that could be why.

[baltobernie]

Stock brakes are that poor or you just having some fun?

A good percentage of "rebuilt" Fiat calipers, alternators, starters, etc. from Big Box stores are DOA or shortly thereafter.

[mbouse]

i have had success with rebuilt calipers supplied by rock auto

but, your rear calipers are generally there just for weight distribution and to give the hand brake lever something to do.

[katsi]

Also, on those rebuilds you get form the local auto parts, the bleeder screws are pretty crappy to begin with. Mine came with two different sizes shoved in there and they did not loosten and tighten very smoothly. Very easy to strip and just adds to the frustration. Good luck. I hope you get a set that is not too abused.

[zachmac]

Also, on those rebuilds you get form the local auto parts, the bleeder screws are pretty crappy to begin with

Anything is better than two rusty stumps!

[katsi]

Anything is better than two rusty stumps!

Probably right but you need to think about how they got to be rusty stumps in the first place. Probably a cituation just like the one I just set up. One bleed and the next time it's just a rusty stump again. I'm just saying that next time I might go with a higher quality brake than the $35.00 rebuilds at the local. That's all. Again, I wish you luck.

Not to mention that you may be able to tap those stumps out easily with one of those grab its. Then just rebuild your old brakes for a fraction of the costs. The bleed screws are hollow to begin with so their is no prior drilling or atleast very little. Again, just a thought. I was really un-impressed with the rebuilds from the local that's all. I hope you have a better experience.

[coopertl]

Folks, To fix a stripped/broken bleeder better than new, literally, try one of these:

http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produc ... RecID=5210

[htchevyii]

I tried to buy a set of A-1 Cardone calipers, the first time one was misboxed, I got 2 left calipers. The replacement right caliper had exactly 3 threads holding the bleeder screw and the left had a crappy looking insert. I took them apart and it looked like they had sandblasted the bores and the the pistons were much looser in the bores than my "old" ones. I ended up returning them and rebuilding mine. It's hard to believe they can get away with selling such a POS brake part.

[So Cal Mark]

I like it when they remove the broken bleeders, then tap the threads crooked so the bleeder won't seat

[htchevyii]

It's hard for them to tap it straight when they have a joint in their other hand?

[mbouse]

It's hard for them to tap it straight when they have a joint in their other hand?

i no longer resemble that remark.

[katsi]

i no longer resemble that remark.

Are you saying that thier used to be a M Boouse that rode the hippy bus?