HI folks. Always appreciate the great help I get here. I snapped a bleeder valve on the rear brake caliper of my 2004 TB LS. Can I put flame on it to hopefully improve the chances of using a screw extractor? Recommended drill/extractor sizes? I'd like to try that first before trying to tap a new hole. (How difficult is that?) PS. What size valve is it to replace (if I'm successful)? Thanks.
NEED HELP Snapped bleeder. Can I use heat to help extract it?
- Thread starter John04TB
- Start date
Mooseman
Moderator
I would just replace the whole caliper. Extractors usually break, making it even more difficult. There`s the method used by welding a nut onto the stub, same as with manifold bolts, where the heat from the welding itself would help it come out. When it`s that rusty, you have to put heat on the outer portion of the bleeder on the caliper until it`s red. And if you have to drill the whole thing out, you will likely damage the sealing portion of the bleeder inside the hole and the new bleeder would have to be exactly perpendicular when you drill and tap it. I`ve never seen it attempted.
As suggested, the "easy mode" would be a new caliper. The "you got time and no money" mode would be, get a new bleed valve. Check it carefully for size / diameter. Take a drill that is just inside that... basically the measure of the lower point of the thread. Drill carefully the remains of the bleed valve. Take the appropriate tap and clean out things there after.
I mean, if money is that tight, you could even buy a used one from a salvage yard.
Autozone has NEW brake calipers for $80-140
Used at my local LKQ Pull-A-Part is $40
Might look around Craigslist and see if someone is parting one out too.
Theres a guy parting out a Saab 97x in Springfield? (not sure how far that is)
westernmass.craigslist.org
And there are more.
These all fit
Chevy Trailblazer
Buick Rainier
Oldsmobile Bravada
Isuzu Ascender
GMC Envoy
Saab 9-7x
If I am remembering correctly, the rear calipers are the same SWB or LWB.
Autozone has NEW brake calipers for $80-140
Used at my local LKQ Pull-A-Part is $40
Might look around Craigslist and see if someone is parting one out too.
Theres a guy parting out a Saab 97x in Springfield? (not sure how far that is)
Saab 9-7x parts V8 trailblazer - auto parts - by owner - vehicle automotive sale - craigslist
Lots of parts left, front and rear diff, wheels, interior, Ac components for v8 fitment, v8 fan aground much more Envoy bravada rainier Camaro tbss SS
And there are more.
These all fit
Chevy Trailblazer
Buick Rainier
Oldsmobile Bravada
Isuzu Ascender
GMC Envoy
Saab 9-7x
If I am remembering correctly, the rear calipers are the same SWB or LWB.
Mooseman
Moderator
Since nobody else suggested it... If drilling out any broken bolt or whatever, get a set of left handed drill bits. Using these, if it catches while drilling it just might unscrew the broken bolt.
I need to get a set myself. In the past few weeks I have had to drill out 3 or 4 #6-32 machine screws. Doing so with drill bits from 1 to 2.3 millimeter! So far I have been able to do this without messing up the threads but I want a set of the left handed drill bits to have at the ready.
I need to get a set myself. In the past few weeks I have had to drill out 3 or 4 #6-32 machine screws. Doing so with drill bits from 1 to 2.3 millimeter! So far I have been able to do this without messing up the threads but I want a set of the left handed drill bits to have at the ready.
Mooseman
Moderator
And if trying that, I would heat the exterior of the caliper around the bleeder until it`s red to break up the rust and expand that metal. It might just do the trick.
Thanks all. I tried heating the bleeder valve - but not until red. So extracting didn't work. I saw a neat video about using a cold chisel but all it did for me was chip away at the broken valve.... So I bit the bullet and bought a new caliper. Easy breezy.