I'm planning on flushing my brakes and wanted to know how common it is for the brake bleeder valves to break on our trucks.

Are there any tricks to prevent the bleeder valves from breaking off inside of the brake caliper?

Also, if they do break are they easily removed with an ez-out or is it time for a new caliper?

 

I broke one too. I have found that hitting the bleeder with a hammer tends to help. As for getting out a broken one I would forget it. To flush a caliper with a broken bleeder, loosen the hose at the caliper, push the piston in and hold, tighten the line and pump the piston out with the brake pedal. Repeat till the fluid run clean.

 

When you say hitting the bleeder are you refering to tapping the area of the caliper the the bleeder threads into or hitting the bleeder valve itself? Thank you for the advice.

 

Unfortunatly, that's a common problem with all vehicles. Especially if you live in snow/salt country. The problem is that they're screwed in tight from the factory, and the bleeder is fairly soft.

Soak them in a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster - Hint: WD-40 is NOT a penetrating oil. Tap the calliper near the bleeder to set up a vibration to help the oil penetrate better. Use a six point socket or closed end wrench to gently break it loose. What works welll is a hand impact tool to break it loose without damage.

If you have a tough time getting it out, be sure to replace it. They're cheap, and it will save a lot of money in the long run.

 

I meant tap on the bleeder itself. I tried penetrating oil and the other methods and hitting the bleeder is the only thing that got the other three out.

 

[QUOTE=.boB;2588003]Unfortunatly, that's a common problem with all vehicles. Especially if you live in snow/salt country. The problem is that they're screwed in tight from the factory, and the bleeder is fairly soft.

Soak them in a good penetrating oil like PB Blaster - Hint: WD-40 is NOT a penetrating oil. Tap the calliper near the bleeder to set up a vibration to help the oil penetrate better. Use a six point socket or closed end wrench to gently break it loose.

+1..... In addition it may be beneficial to soak the bleeders as noted above a few times prior to performing this project.