New brake lines in, bleeder questions

[Randy Whistler]

Well, after some time, I've finally got the replacement rear brake line in. I will say that most of the stories you hear about replacing that back brake line are true. . . but that's a different discussion.

I'm ready to bleed out the lines, and have a couple simple questions:

First, what size are the bleeders? I tried all the SAE size tube wrenches I've got and they all felt like they were a tad too large. I got out one of my deep metric sockets, and that seemed to fit, but I couldn't budge the bleeder.

Second, how likely is the bleeder to break when I try to get it out? I'm concerned that something may break off when trying to open the bleeder. Is this going to be a problem, or am I being over pessimistic? If it does break, how do I get the remaining part(s) out? Easy-outs?

And finally, I've used the MityVac bleeders(and their many clones) several times before, and intend to get one again for this job, but thought I'd ask if there are any better, not super expensive, options before getting one. Unfortunately, this has to be a one-man job, no one around to help bleed.

As always, TIA.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

@Rocket Man said the motive bleeder worked great.

 

[TM98]

I’ve used the motive bleeder on many vehicles and it has been great. I just bought the adapter for my Yukon to be able to do in the near future.

 

[mizzouguy]

https://www.amazon.com/Motive-Products-108-System-Bleeder/dp/B000TK9FE8
I love mine. Have bought several different adapters to do different vehicles with different caps.

Edit: weird.....link was copied from amazon but opens the item on walmart's site....illuminati

 

[PG01]

If the bleeders are that tight, and rusty... no good dude. I would spray the crap out of them and then use vise grips and go slow and then replace them.

 

[Randy Whistler]

If the bleeders are that tight, and rusty... no good dude. I would spray the crap out of them and then use vise grips and go slow and then replace them.

I was afraid you'd say that. . . . but thanks, that's good information that I needed to know.

At least the guys down at the auto parts store are getting to know me better.

 

[PNWMuseumman]

I've had the best luck on all of my cars bleeders using line wrenches, they wrap around the bleeder a little better. I discovered that after breaking 2 off of my wifes jetta right after we first go married. (Her first introduction to hearing profanities being yelled in the garage while she was inside the house...) I won't touch a bleeder now without a line wrench

*Also known as a flare nut wrench I believe.

 

[HiHoeSilver]

I've had the best luck on all of my cars bleeders using line wrenches, they wrap around the bleeder a little better. I discovered that after breaking 2 off of my wifes jetta right after we first go married. (Her first introduction to hearing profanities being yelled in the garage while she was inside the house...) I won't touch a bleeder now without a line wrench

*Also known as a flare nut wrench I believe.View attachment 195698

This. Flare wrench fo sho. Like @Galante said too. If they're that tight, put kroil on there and give it a bit. Just worry about getting them out without breaking them and plan on replacing them.

 

[PG01]

I've had the best luck on all of my cars bleeders using line wrenches, they wrap around the bleeder a little better. I discovered that after breaking 2 off of my wifes jetta right after we first go married. (Her first introduction to hearing profanities being yelled in the garage while she was inside the house...) I won't touch a bleeder now without a line wrench

*Also known as a flare nut wrench I believe.View attachment 195698

Yes but if they are that rusty that wrench is just gonna spin...more than likely he will break one but ive gotten lucky on a few occasions...vise grips since they are toast anyway.... you know how it is since you experienced it first hand..

 

[TM98]

Are these metric or standard sizes? Trying to figure out which flare wrenches to get.