PSA: a trick for stuck brake bleeder valves from a job last month

Had a 2012 F-150 in the bay with a completely seized bleeder. Instead of snapping it off, I hit it with a propane torch for about 30 seconds, let it cool, then tapped it with a small hammer. It broke loose clean. What's your go-to method for these?

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3 Comments

the_barbara6mo ago

Try a little penetrating oil first, let it soak overnight. If that doesn't work, the heat and cool trick you used is my next step every time. Works like a charm.

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christopher676mo ago

Heat first, then oil. Works better in my experience.

1

calebscott5mo ago

My buddy tried the heat and cool trick on a rusty bolt last week. He said the metal made a loud ping and the nut came right off. Seems like a solid method when the oil alone doesn't cut it.

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