Brake fluid coming out of the caliper bleeder screw?

Tiny
CARFIXES
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
This is a 1998 Ford E-150 Econoline Club Wagon. I tried to replace the front caliper bleeder screws because they were rounded off. I purchased aftermarket bleeder screws, which supposedly fit this vehicle. The formed tip on the new screws are narrower than the original screws and I believe they are also a hair longer than the original ones. Anyway, I installed them thinking they would be fine; however, the new screws would not snug up. They kept rotating as I tried to tighten them until they bottomed up (but still did not get tight). When my helper pushed on the brake pedal, brake fluid seeped through the screw threads, so I reinstalled the original ones. The problem now is that, with the original screws installed, when you push on the brake pedal, brake fluid comes out of the center of the bleeder screws (as if the screw was loose) even though they are tightened properly. My questions are: Is it possible that the aftermarket screws messed up the seat inside the caliper OR another issue is causing the original screws to leak from the center? And if the seat inside the calipers became messed up, is there a way to fix the calipers or do they need to be replaced at this point? If there is a fix, please let me know how to do it. Thanks
Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 10:03 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

The idea that you were unable to tighten the new ones tells me it was the wrong size. I'm questioning if the threads in the caliper were damaged and the original bleeder isn't fully seating/tightening.

As far as the length, no, that wouldn't cause a problem. The part is designed to bottom out when installed, so if it is slightly longer, it would simply stick out a bit more.

What I would suggest is this. Take one of the original bleeders with you to the parts store and have them provide a match. Once they do that, see if it will stop the leak. I can't imagine that the new ones damaged it internally, but anything is possible.

If they can't match it, purchase a replacement caliper and remove the bleeder and try it on your caliper to see if that works. If it doesn't, then replace the caliper. If it does, then you need to see what you can do to find the correct bleeder.

Let me know if that helps or if I can help in any way.

Take care,

Joe
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Saturday, July 1st, 2023 AT 10:15 PM
Tiny
CARFIXES
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Thanks Joe. Very quick, you said your question if the caliper threads were damaged. Is re-threading them an option? And if so, can I do that with the caliper on the vehicle and then just pump the brake pedal to push any metal shaving out or will the shaving travel into the brake system?
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 12:37 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,747 POSTS
Hi,

That's a tough one to answer. I wouldn't recommend it, but anything is possible. The thing is you need to make sure you can get a bleeder that has the same thread size and pitch. That could be a problem. When it comes to brakes, that is an area I don't like to chance a possible issue.

When you installed the original one back in, are you able to tighten it? I was thinking it may have been stripped because the new one wouldn't properly tighten.

Let me know your thoughts. Also, you may want to consider replacing the caliper. It would be less difficult than to try threading the old one.

Let me know what I can do to help.

Joe
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Sunday, July 2nd, 2023 AT 1:20 PM

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