Well, I put new pads on, turned the rotors, and replaced all of the brake fluid in the master cylinder with new fluid. I intended to flush the brake lines with new fluid, but the bleeder valves have been rounded to the point I cannot get a wrench to fit. They are so tight, I couldn't get Vise Grips to turn them. What are my options? I bled the rears. I just put shoes on them last week, the pedal was extremely hard before I bled them and the fluid that came out was almost like tar. It feels pretty soft now, but I think I can get it to feel even better if I can bleed the front. Any ideas?
Chris

 

Get everything that you can out of the way, then pour a little bit of brake fluid on the bleeder screws, maybe a drop or two, it will work its way in better than any penetrating oil. Then, grip the bleeder screw with your vise grips, as tight as you can. Taking a small ball peen hammer, tap on the end of the bleeder screw as you twist with the vise grips. you don't have to hit it hard, just steadily. This is much like a primitive impact wrench. (being much like a primitive human being I can understand this )

A few (dozen) taps with the hammer, and some steady pressure in the off direction, and they should come out. Been there lots, last time was earlier today on a 93 ford e-350.

Good luck and happy whacking

 

I'll try Thursday. If I can get them out, can I replace them with new ones?
Chris

 

You may have to replace the whole caliper, but thats not hard either. If they are that used and abused maybe its time to replace them anyway.

 

you can also try adding some heat with a propane torch and tapping with a hammer.

 

Sure, new bleed screws are availible at any autoparts for cheap. This assumes you can get them off without striping out the female threads.

 

I got a great tip once from my Dad (auto mech by trade). He always took a 6 point socket and turned the bleeders clockwise a tiny bit before loosening them. I do it. It hasn't failed me yet.

 

That trick is an old plumber's excuse for when they turn things the wrong way.

 

Some transmission fluid is a great rust buster if you let it sit on there a few days.The thing that will either get them out or break them off is a small 6 inch rigid pipe wrench.Dont use an off brand pipe wrench get a rigid and if you can get it on there something will give for sure.

 

 

get a set of cheap six point impact sockets, choose one smaller than the rounded diameter, pound it onto the bleed using a heavy hammer to minimize the work on the threads and then just use a ratchet. if that doesn't work it would surprise me. one point, make sure that there is enough room in the socket for the tit.

 

Dr. Evil has it......use some heat.

 

If you have to do all that... heat, trans fluid, beat them with a hammer, tighten then, then loosen them..... can you imagine what the pistons look like? Just replace them and have done with it! Rebuilt calipers are cheap!

 

okay, just have to ask, what do you think the pistons have to do with rounded off bleed screws? not bustin' your chops, just doesn't jive.

 

Probably since the fluid he flushed out looks like tar and the bleeders are stuck bad means the fluid has been in there forever, drawing moisture .Thats the reason the fluid is black so the pistons are probably corroded and seizing up so they probably need rebuit or replaced.It wouldnt hurt to replace the wheel cylinders to,those aluminum pistons back there really like to corrode.Maybe a bigger gm wheel cylinder upgrade