Brake caliper bleed nipples

[operamagorum]

Hi all
I have to change my flexible brake hoses soon and thought that I'd replace the bleed nipples with stainless.
Unfortunately, I can't source as I don't know part numbers/sizes. Are front and back the same?
TIA
Regards

Geoff

[xsport]

i bought mine from rimmer bros. i had bought alloy nipples from ebay but they were rubbish. they were soft and snapped easily,not from over tightening , but even with a liberal coating of copper slip , would not trust them to not snap off like a carrot after being on some time. the rimmer ones are i believe a little dearer , but have two sizes , same thread but longer on the front callipers. i would go for them,but your choice ... :D over tightening by garages seems a problem most of the time.

[Mike Trident]

I may be totally wrong, but are they different sizes as in 9mm spanner & 7mm spanner?

[roverbarmy]

I may be totally wrong, but are they different sizes as in 9mm spanner & 7mm spanner?

I think that it depends on the manufacturer. They are different lengths on the front and rear (different part numbers). The longer ones seem to shear off more easily if they are rusted in.:shrug:

See lower down page:-

https://rimmerbros.com/ItemList--Rover-75-Brake-Calipers--m-21281

[SD1too]

... thought that I'd replace the bleed nipples with stainless.
Hi Geoff,

I can understand your thinking but of course the thread in the caliper will still be prone to rust. The way I deal with the problem is as follows:


Remove the nipple and clean its thread with a wire brush, flushing away all debris afterwards. Use a light lubricant of your choice sparingly and check by hand that the nipple's thread engages with the caliper thread smoothly.
Refit and gently tighten until the flow of brake fluid stops and no further.
Lastly and most importantly, coat the remaining exposed thread and the spanner flats with Waxoyl or equivalent.


I haven't had any trouble since adopting this method for the standard factory nipples. :}

Simon

[xsport]

I may be totally wrong, but are they different sizes as in 9mm spanner & 7mm spanner?

Yes i have come across this before, where the spanner size differs. however the thread size was the same for both. socket spanner seams the better for grip than a hexagon or ring spanner to undo them , i have found. it keeps the nipple square to the socket better on very stubborn threads whilst undoing them. with the ordinary spanner you can apply force but it tends to be at an angle if your not careful and can snap them off.

[Arctic]

I like to add a little ceramic brake grease to the nipple threads, i purchased the nipples from a local car store, you can then see what you are getting.
https://i.imgur.com/8bSg8h8l.jpg1

The shop had a choice of either 7mm or 9mm spanner fitting i went for the 9mm as above a bit more to get a bite on.

https://i.imgur.com/kEq0EhUl.jpg2

https://i.imgur.com/uFdKk1zl.jpg3

[xsport]

failing a lack of ceramic grease to hand, i have used red rubber grease applied to the threads.it will seal up the top ring area of the threads where exposed to water and gives a good seal. the rubber caps that fit over the nipple are also important to keep out dirt, A lot of folks dont bother with them but they are there for a reason. great photos again Arctic . thanks.

[Mike Noc]

Each to their own - I've always used Copaslip on brake nipples, and don't overtighten them either. ;)