nipples

[bunnysZ]

has anyone got any suggestions on how to remove a bleed nipple that has snapped in a front brake caliper.

[Pigford]

Best way is to use a small 'easy-out' stud extractor!
One of those things with a thread that goes the 'wrong way' so as you screw it in, it tightens up on the hollow nipple (snigger) and as its being turned anti-clockwise, the tighter it gets, the more UNSCREWING force it puts on the nipple
Not sure where to get such a small one from, but try a good tool or engineers shop (google)

[Pasc]

Bunny, if you can't shift your nipple using Pigfords method (those easy outs are easily snapped) there is a banjo bolt available that has the bleed nipple threaded into the top face of the head of the banjo bolt. Gives you enough time to source another caliper if needed AND bleed your brakes.

[Rich]

Soak the caliper in diesel for a week before the screw extractor. After you break the extractor - spark eroding. If I were you I'd start looking for a "new" caliper because usually the extractor snaps.

[uk kev]

right Paul, find the exact size of a good bleed nipple at the threads, then buy a drill 1.5 smaller and drill at slow speed down the centre of the broken nipple before using an easy out, then run a number three tap back down the threads before replacing with a stainless bleed nipple.

be sure to give the whole caliper a good clean to remove swarf before use, and if you dont feel comfortable doing the job, take it to a small engineering shop to have it done.

Good luck.

[chrisu]

agreed.

I'd got the drill/retap route.

but hey what do I know ???

[Rich]

If you're going to use a stainless nipple put some ptfe tape on the threads