Brake bleeding

[cav]

Really dumb question.......I am trying to bleed the brakes on my '89 Bronco. Was able to do the back ones-but-when I moved to the front ones the bleeder tool would not fit--to small. I have tried every size the stores have, even metric but can't find on that will fit properly. The fittings are not damaged and I have tried both sides. Not sure what else to try short of using a set of vise grips on them..any suggestions ? Thanks.

 

[Bronc76]

Can you try to measure the fittings with a set of caliphers or micrometers to determine the size? Has the area been cleaned and free of possible dirt and debris?

 

[broncotough]

if all else fails use the vise grips then by a new set of bleeders. have you tried line wrenches?

 

[cav]

if all else fails use the vise grips then by a new set of bleeders. have you tried line wrenches?

Looks like the "grips" might be the way to go, then I can get a set of bleeders that fit the wrench before I install them....Thanks much!

 

[Justshootme84]

The front bleeder screws will often require the Vise-Grips anyway. I had to replace both sides up front on my 88 axle. Took a few hours and some choice words to get them loose.

 

[cav]

The front bleeder screws will often require the Vise-Grips anyway. I had to replace both sides up front on my 88 axle. Took a few hours and some choice words to get them loose.

Hey Shooter, I got the vice grips, could you help me out with a few of the "proper" words? None I know seem to work. /emoticons/[email protected] 2x" width="20" height="20" />

 

[Justshootme84]

SURE. I even welded a nut on the end of one, hoping the electricity would loosen the rust and using a big wrench would help. That didn't work, darnit!!! Typical of many Ford parts, the metal on the bleeder srews is soft, and even if you have the propere-size wrench, the hexhead of the ***** will strip out or round off. Fudge!!! There's very little room to get a good bite of the Vise-Grip pliers, then there's even less to try and turn it. A BFH was used to tap the V-G pliers and break the bleeder ***** loose, after several failed attempts.What did finally help was advice from my Dad. Take that hammer and hit a few taps on the top of the blleder *****. It will booger it up on top, but will break the bond of the rust and corrosion. There were a few "freakin'" phrases in there ,too... You would think I spent 22 years in the Navy. JSM84

 

[cav]

SURE. I even welded a nut on the end of one, hoping the electricity would loosen the rust and using a big wrench would help. That didn't work, darnit!!! Typical of many Ford parts, the metal on the bleeder srews is soft, and even if you have the propere-size wrench, the hexhead of the ***** will strip out or round off. Fudge!!! There's very little room to get a good bite of the Vise-Grip pliers, then there's even less to try and turn it. A BFH was used to tap the V-G pliers and break the bleeder ***** loose, after several failed attempts.What did finally help was advice from my Dad. Take that hammer and hit a few taps on the top of the blleder *****. It will booger it up on top, but will break the bond of the rust and corrosion. There were a few "freakin'" phrases in there ,too... You would think I spent 22 years in the Navy. JSM84

Now I know the problem I've been a civilian to long-22 years in the Army. I'll dig out my "Phrase For Every Occasion" Army Field Manual, it always worked on M1A1 tanks.