Also, all threaded items that need annual service like these,  should have
anti-seize applied to the threads to help make it easier each time.
  This grease will also help if you use a vacuum-pump-type bleeder tool.
Air can't suck in past the threads of the loosened bleeder screw and make
you think there's still air in your system.

Mike B.

-----Original Message-----
From: Alistair Bell
Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 7:15 PM
To: Mike
Cc: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: caliper pics

I agree to all of that Mike. One thing though, even with the caliper
on bench and a lot of buggering around, I still couldn't get the thing
out. I suppose if you bleed brakes at least once a year you can avoid
this.

I've never had such a problem bleeder before.

alistair

On 3-Feb-11, at 4:00 PM, Mike wrote:

> A recommendation;  when you know you're planning to remove possibly
> rusty/stuck fasteners; spray well in advance ( a few times if you  have
> time) with PBlaster or WD-40 on all the spots that you'll be  removing.
> Soak time to allow penetrant to work it's magic helps a lot.   Heating
> helps, too.  (you could apply some heat to the bleeder, but  not the
> caliper.)
> Also, you don't have to drill out a bleeder, just leave it broken  off in
> there and bleed on the other one or the attachment to the  flexline, if
> there's no other way.  You're just buying time at that  point and trying
> to make the best of a bad situation.  I've been  able to bleed air out
> this way, enough to get a solid pedal.
>
> YMMV,
>
> Mike B.
>
>
> -----Original Message----- From: Alistair Bell
> Sent: Thursday, February 03, 2011 6:13 PM
> To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
> Subject: caliper pics
>
> posted a couple of pics of my brake caliper fiasco here:
>
> http://shufti.wordpress.com/2011/02/03/bleeding-failure/
>
> I hope it serves as a warning to others :)
>
> btw, I have to say again, I did not apply very much force at all on
> the bleeder to make it break. It was short wrench and I was on my side
> under the van, awkward position, not a pose where you can really get
> some oomph behind the wrench.
>
> alistair