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MG MGA - brake bleeder sheared - front caliper

Attempting to bleed my brakes the other day after replacing lower front suspension bushes I sheared one of the caliper brake bleeders in half - must be rusted tight (anyway bleeding from the other side of the caliper was enough to fix the brakes) - sometime in the future I need to replace the broken bleeder.
What is the best way to get the broken bit out? Should I use the easi-out (screw extractor) that fits the hole in the bleeder or should I drill the bleeder out so I can get a larger size easi-out to fit - I would hate to break off an easi-out in the hole? Any experience on this problem? What is a good penetrene for this job? Should I tap caliper with a BFH first or give a little heat?
Regards
Mike 1600 roadster
Mike Ellsmore

Hi Mike. I have found that ez out type tools often break inside the threaded part to be removed, leaving one with an even worse problem. Drilling out the broken bleeder can be effective, but requires precision, or the caliper thread could be damaged. It is possible for a machine shop to "blast" the damaged bleeder screw remains out with a special electrical device. Since MGA calipers are getting hard to find and expensive, I would opt for whatever method offers the best chance of success, unless you have a spare caliper, or are willing to obtain one. Cheers, Glenn
Glenn

Mike,
You already have a pilot hole in the broken section. I would try to get some left hand drill bits and try them. I would mike the bleeder to determine the maximum diameter drill I could use without damaging the internal threads. After soaking in PB Blaster I would use very little heat to maybe help the penetrating fluid flow and try the drill bits. Good luck and have a good day!

John
John Progess

Be careful not to drill too far! You can ruin the seating surface of the caliper.
Ed Bell

Hi Mike
This is only if you have time. Use WD40 soak it and tap it daily. I got mine out but it take several weeks not two but several. Do not use hand held drill if you plan drilling.
Martin
Martin

Sorry, WD40 is USELESS for this sort of thing - it's a water displacer not a penetrating oil. Use a proper penetrating oil and it will work much faster.
dominic clancy

If you have to ask how to do it. I would suggest having somebody else do it. There is no magic to it but the proper skill and technic is required. Every broken part is differant.
Good luck
L E Marchand

Mike,
I had this happen on both front calipers during a rebuild two years ago. Tried every thing that has been suggested in this thread with no success. Took it to a local machine shop. For $25 USD they did a fantastic job. Save yourself a lot of grief....check for a shop near you.

Cheers,
GTF
G T Foster

Mike, bring it to Barry! We will fix it.
Barry
BM Gannon

Thanks Barry - I will give you a call at the weekend. Are you going on the FAB run?
Mike
Mike Ellsmore

This thread was discussed between 10/05/2007 and 14/05/2007

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This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.