Brake caliper bleed nipples

operamagorum · 17th June 2022, 10:54

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 · 17th June 2022, 23:32

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 ...

over tightening by garages seems a problem most of the time.

Mike Trident · 18th June 2022, 04:03

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

roverbarmy · 18th June 2022, 07:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Trident

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.

See lower down page:-

https://rimmerbros.com/ItemList--Rov...ipers--m-21281

SD1too · 18th June 2022, 11:14

Quote:

Originally Posted by operamagorum

... 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 · 18th June 2022, 13:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Trident

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 · 18th June 2022, 14:51

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.

1

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.

2

3

xsport · 19th June 2022, 15:39

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 · 22nd June 2022, 06:25

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

17th June 2022, 10:54	#1
operamagorum Loves to post Rover 75 tourer CDT connoisseur; BMW 330i Touring Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Blandford Forum Posts: 359 Thanks: 182 Thanked 158 Times in 88 Posts	Brake caliper bleed nipples 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

18th June 2022, 04:03	#3
Mike Trident Posted a thing or two Rover 75 CDTi Saloon, Suzuki Splash was drowned in the floods of 2020. Citroen C1 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Oakenshaw, Near Bradford Posts: 1,483 Thanks: 381 Thanked 544 Times in 322 Posts	I may be totally wrong, but are they different sizes as in 9mm spanner & 7mm spanner? __________________ Rover 75 2.0 CDTi (131Ps) Conn SE Saloon. (Manual) 160 Remap, cruise control, electric window blind, temp gauge, Real walnut / ZT interior, FBH with GSM control. BORN Tuesday, 5th October 2004 @ 12:35:52 This vehicle was the 104,679th 75 to run off the production line, out of 112,381 This vehicle was the 3,318th 75 CDT Connoisseur SE (135) to be made out of 4,744 This vehicle was the 12,440th 75 in Starlight Silver (code: MBB) to be made out of 14,280 Starlight Silver 75s

18th June 2022, 14:51	#7
Arctic Give to Learn Rover 75 Tourer Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: West Midlands Posts: 16,960 Thanks: 1,097 Thanked 6,113 Times in 3,694 Posts	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. 1 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. 2 3 __________________ Arctic Givology Learn to Give Everything is Achievable ad altiora tendo. Check out our Nano meet dates http://www.midlandsnanomeets.co.uk/ http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/index.php?thepage=howto " You do the work , we supply the expertise "

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17th June 2022, 23:32	#2
xsport Posted a thing or two rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,169 Thanks: 348 Thanked 405 Times in 302 Posts	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 ... over tightening by garages seems a problem most of the time.

19th June 2022, 15:39	#8
xsport Posted a thing or two rover 75 club se Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Leicester Posts: 1,169 Thanks: 348 Thanked 405 Times in 302 Posts	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.

22nd June 2022, 06:25	#9
Mike Noc Relax, it's a Rover. Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,130 Thanks: 3,392 Thanked 3,070 Times in 2,211 Posts	Each to their own - I've always used Copaslip on brake nipples, and don't overtighten them either.