Seized bleeder valve
 

Hey guys I bled the brakes last night and everything went smooth except the inside bleeder on the RH front caliper is seized. It was seized last time I bled the brakes and I still haven't found an easy way to get it unstuck. I tried a 11 mm deep socket on it this time and it's still not budging. I mean it is really stuck good....and I'm afraid it might snap off in the caliper if I put more pressure on it. Is there any way I can get it loose without destroying my caliper? Anybody else encountered this? Thanks!

I thought it was a 10mm. Have you tried to use more leverage?

It's an 11mm. I've used so much leverage already my rachet started to slip internally. If I use much more leverage with a cheater bar or something it will probably snap the bleeder valve off in the caliper and that's no fun.

Someone must have really jumped on that bleeder the last time it was used. They're hollow and can break easily as you've said. Try a bit of penetrating oil on the exposed threads (I use Kroil but there are many others). A bit of heat can also help expand / contract the metal...not for the feint of heart but it beats removing a broken bleed screw.

Thanks Keith, I'll give penetrating oil a shot next time, but I'm not going to get my hopes up. The damn thing was that super tight from new. I got the car new and I'm the only one that has ever bled the brakes so it still has has the orginal fluid in that side of the caliper. Torching the caliper came to mind, but I really don't want to go to that extreme if at all possible. All the other bleeder screws come loose nice and easy so it's frustrating to only be able to bleed 7 out of the 8.

+1 on the penetrating oil and a bit of heat. Whatever you do, don't use brute force; as you've already mentioned, it will only make things worse.

Ok, the plan is to buy one of those mini-butane lighters so I can focus the heat directly on the bleeder screw and nothing else. Then try a penetrating lube and hope for the best. Thanks guys.

I think you need a better ratchet if you are messing up the ratchet on a 11mm. You should be able to snap that lil guy right off. :) +1 on penetrating oil. If all else fails BREAKER BAR with an extension. JK Good luck.

Be careful with the heat, too much will affect O rings or seals inside the caliper.

You should be able to snap that lil guy right off.

That is exactly what he is afraid of doing, hence, his hesitation and questions.