Bleeding Screws!

[Jimsar]

I spent the afternoon bleeding the brakes on my '54 series II. No problem until we got to the drivers side front where the bleeding screw wouldn't tighten up. I've tried swapping the screw but it didn't help. What bit do I have to replace to fix it, is it difficult, how do I do it and where can I get one?
Matthew

[Willie]

If you swopped the bleed screw for another which was tightening
up ok and it still wouldn't do up tightly enough it would suggest
that the thread has stripped on that side. The thread is part of
one of the wheel cylinders so you may have to buy a new one!
Prove this if the screw which would not do up was ok when fitted
to the other side. Only other possibility is that there is some
dirt etc inside the bleed screw housing which is preventing a
proper seal. If you do need a new one it comes down to how old
the other wheel cylinders are as to wether you buy one or a full set.

[Arfron]

Did you mean that the bleed screw wouldn't tighten up on the wheel cylinder thread , or , did it screw -up , but wouldn't seal ??
Probably me not reading it correctly !! ?? Arfron

[Jimsar]

No, It wouldn't tighten up in the wheel cylinder.

[Cam]

Sounds very much like a stripped thread. If I were you, I would get a new cylinder. It's usually advisable to replace all cylingers on the 'axle' at once, but in this case I think you'll be pretty OK just replacing one as it's the bleed nipple side that's at fault and not the seals..........

[Arfron]

Mmmh . Yup , sounds like the threads are stripped , and have been cross- threaded at some stage ?? New cylinder needed , as already suggested ? Arfron

[Chris Morley]

I agree with all the above, just replace the cylinder and bleed screw, no need to undo the flexible hose if you only replace that cylinder.

TIP: beware that the short bridge pipe between the cylinders may be seized into the cylinder. Before ordering the new cylinder & screw try to undo the bridge pipe where it screws into the (old) cylinder. If it won't undo or if the pipe twists then order a new pipe as well (they are only about a fiver I think). Nothing worse than finding you need a new one after you've had the new cylinder sent to you.....

[moggyminor16]

question for ya i was doing the same i striped the thread it was a brand new cyender is there any way to re thead them or not bother .i did get a new one as well but wundering so i can use it as spare

[Onne]

If you re-thread it, it would mean you should use other screws too... But heh why not try it as it is spare?