Videos don't always go as planned and sometimes broken bleeders don't come out of the caliper as planned! For instance in this videos a bit of heat and pounding and out they come! I was hoping to show the shocking method of removing a brake bleeder using heat and water but I am sure as the sun will come up tomorrow that we will have some more frozen bleeders in our future ! Enjoy!
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49 thoughts on “Removing a broken brake bleeder”
  1. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dale Myers says:

    I got my broken bleeder out by heating, turning the quarter inch remnant with a vise grip. I had done exactly what you did on the other side, with the same result too. There's negligible strength in that tubular stub, diminished by the clamping force and torque from the vise grip. I tapped a12d finish nail into the broken bleeder to reinforce against the deformation. I used an atomizing sprayer to quickly cool the bleeder after heating. Then I whacked the caliper hard a few times all around the caliper with a 5lb hammer and blunt chisel. After all that, the the reinforced bleeder tube came out with little resistance. I had an assistant keeping all the rags protecting the rubber parts wet during heating. Only removed the wheel.
    Dale
    Thanks for the front wheel bearing replacement guide for Toyota. Taught me a lot about that operation.

  2. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars colin ellicott says:

    Dude – nice – but please use safety glasses. Peace.

  3. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adrian LastName says:

    10/10 chad

  4. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joshua Vanwinkle says:

    Don't pit the vice grip on the end of the easy out; put it closer to the bleeder so you're not torquing the easy out so much

  5. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars JJ Leda says:

    I'm surprised that you don't remove the caliper before you torch. More room easier access.

  6. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mr hamburger says:

    Far as I remember the water method for bleeder screws and Heat going back to the mid 80s

  7. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars AZ09898989 says:

    What technically has to work is putting the calliper in a solution and use hydrolysis or shocking it with a current and applying liquid gradually should get the rust off.

  8. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars dewey smith says:

    Use left twist drill bit and it might take it out while drilling.

  9. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    Live in the south works too! Lol

  10. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars paul joey says:

    Great job

  11. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Y D says:

    It works 50% of the time, every time😂 love it!

  12. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars cuzz63 says:

    I always soak it with penetrating oil then use a left hand bit when drilling, often the bit will turn it out.

  13. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Dependable Auto Truck says:

    Does the customer really save any money if u count your labor verses replacement

  14. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Do It The Hard Way Sam says:

    Cool, the heat doesn’t damage the caliper ?

  15. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Justice says:

    I was told if the bleeders break I have to automatically get new calibers. I have never had my bleeders replaced so why wouldn’t this be a option, or is that not what every garage is willing to do?

  16. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! Greg Merrill says:

    I hate those brake line kits. Idk how you got yours to look so factory but I can’t ever get them to sit where the factory lines were. I just go straight to the Ni-cop.

  17. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars DapimpBDSD says:

    I told my boss they sold these (99 Silverado), he said no they don't and bought brake line and fitting and double flare kit and tube bending tool. Took me 3 days ( mostly because I also had other things to work on too)

  18. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars T Bo says:

    Drilling without safety glasses? Hope you have good insurance.

  19. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Greg Hill says:

    i had a few break off in past now i try to loosen them up and spray aerocroil or liquid wrench on them whenever i am working on wheels then they actually seem to come out pretty well next time i work on brakes and i am in rust belt too over in PA. I usually go around and spray them all the day before i work on car that seems to make a big difference. of course that's hard to do at a garage

  20. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Tony Breeze says:

    You’re a very naughty boy … you forgot to put a little heat resistant grease on the new bleeder! Having just succeeded in getting out a very awkward so and so on my wife’s Skoda on the driveway, I am pleased to report the only thing that worked for me today was something actually made in the USA … Irwin Bolt-Grip Expansion Set … so well done to both of you.

  21. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars J2345 says:

    How can you determine the size of a bleeder

  22. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Carter says:

    Love you to bits here in the UK, but why on Earth do you dry assemble, only to encounter the problem again, just a smere of copper slip on the threads please!!

  23. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Joel Brand says:

    Move out of New York State.

  24. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Paul Rozinski says:

    Bought a cheap set of reverse-thread drill bits for just such an occasion, one small problem.
    If you run a keyless chuck drill in reverse for more than a few seconds, the chuck loosens up and sends your “special” drill bit flying to parts unknown 😂😂

  25. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jim Pert says:

    Lines to go is a great company to get lines from as well

  26. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars HowIFixIt says:

    This is the most valuable video yet! I avoid bleeding because one is broken on my great shape1995 E150 conversion van

  27. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Gibran Carrillo says:

    Really good you the best man
    Thanks for the tips

  28. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Alfred V says:

    Also use air hammer (flat tip) all around the bleeder, shocks it bad, and comes out easy….but sometimes you got to know several techniques, Maybe talking to it like the devil in the exorcist will scare the bolt lose. Swearing helps sooth the nerves too (or a beer, and come back later). All else fails, go for pizza and beer, try again.

  29. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars William Vangorden says:

    You don't use the blue wrench.

  30. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Matt DeLuco says:

    How did you not nuke the brake line with the torch?

  31. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Skeggy Pond Daz Shelton says:

    What easy outs are they not seen any like them before… Your link in the description isnt working

  32. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars 95xxx says:

    Saved our butt with that Dorman Kit ! Thanks!

  33. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Adventures with TTFNCachn says:

    I'm just glad you didn't roast the brake hose Dorman is still 100% better than Napa parts. I have only used the drill and punch method.

  34. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Iam D says:

    Caught myself reaching for my safety glasses…

  35. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Devin mccloud says:

    I use ice cubes 3 times with a propane torch. Works like a charm. I always make sure a nail is in the bleeder hole before vice gripping it.

  36. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hayden Payne says:

    Funny how I get this in my recommended two days after I broke one off lol

  37. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Mike Richards says:

    Why don’t you put anti seize on the threads of the new bleeders? You’ll never have a problem again. Just a FYI

  38. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars tomctutor says:

    klowny1969 ytbvid (around Aug 2019) shows how to do the water trick with a hand MAPP torch.

  39. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Jerome Breeding says:

    After braking a number of easy-outs, and replacing wheel cylinders and calipers, I tried the trusty torch method. It surely saves time and money. Good to see your demonstration for the un-informed !

  40. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars N_ R says:

    Eric, I know this video is old but I'll ask anyway: got a link for those easy outs? Thanks!

  41. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Rick Davis says:

    Why do some use a vice grip backwards like ya did the first time on the bleeder? Or was it a left handed vice grip LOL

  42. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Ron Price says:

    The heat and water is how i was taught. I dont live very far from Eric. So we deal with the same horrible rust. The is one other step to the process i use though. I heat it very hot then throw water on it. Then take a small 12 oz or less ball hammer and tap the bleeder and the caliper a few times. Repeat if need be. Second time taping with the hammer while its hot and again cold. This gets bleeders and other stuck things almost every time.

  43. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Patrick Zadd says:

    Eric…..you’re a legend.

  44. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars mike moritz says:

    so there's hope

  45. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Hola! pauleywagscave says:

    best way to cool and shrink metal locally,,, A can of compressed air ( like to clean computers ) triggered up side down. INSTANT FREEZE ANYTHING.

  46. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars R Mc says:

    I use dynamite , the collateral damage is quite bad but it does come out .

  47. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars narwhal says:

    That car looks half gone. I wouldn't even waste gas on it lol

  48. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Albert Cassler says:

    It's rare to break off a bleeder valve if you are cautious and try turning it back wards with a slight tug of the wrench. But if it does break off then used a stick of dynamite…joking
    Your method works great although I've never tried the H2O trick…I'll keep an open mind and thanks …an old dog like me still learning

  49. Avataaar/Circle Created with python_avatars Damage Incorporated Metal43Ver says:

    Best way to do this is to work smarter not harder. Back in the day when i had my shop we would use dry ice. Nowadays you can get the same result from canned air. It save's you money on Oxygen & acetylene…

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