Bleed nipples V8V Help please.

[huggy1]

Seems that one of my calipers needs replacing as the bleed nipple is leaking. Scoured the web and can't find one, I refuse to believe that you have to change a calpier because of that. Any ideas where I can get one from?

Thanks

[steveatesh]

huggy1 said:

Seems that one of my calipers needs replacing as the bleed nipple is leaking. Scoured the web and can't find one, I refuse to believe that you have to change a calpier because of that. Any ideas where I can get one from?

Thanks

For clarity, do you mean any idea where you can get a bleed nipple from, or a caliper?

For caliper see AstonmartinBits.com

For bleed nipple, I suppose it will depend upon thread and type? I am digging way back into memory here so it may not be valid, but when at school I had a weekend job in a motor factor shop, selling everything car related ( including after market vinyl roofs to show how long ago I am talking about!) , and I know we sold brake nipples, two sizes IIRC .

You would need to take it out and try. Or just bend over while the nice AM technician gives you a going over for a new caliper.

[Logannz]

They are Brembo callipers, theres plenty pf Brembo genuine parts online, I paid about $50usd for a set of 8 on eBay. Get genuine parts, I've had issues with cheaper aftermarket ones corroding.

Also don't be tempted by stainless, I hear they can corrode alloy callipers

[simonpa]

Yep - plenty online.
A good opportunity to change the brake fluid whilst you are at it, too!

If you are doing it yourself, get an easibleed and a brake hose clamp (to stop the fluid dribbling everywhere).

Cheers - Simon

[ds2000]

They won't be bespoke. You just need the thread size. On previous cars I've replaced them with easy bleed nipples. Something like these
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/brake-ble...

Obviously you'll need a few but it makes bleeding an easy task. Standard ones can be had from here:
http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/copper-br...

[Bouldermobile]

I think the bleed nipples are available separately on part number: 4G43-2C563-AA

Like the 'Speed Bleeder' idea though; not seen those before.

[ds2000]

Bouldermobile said:

Like the 'Speed Bleeder' idea though; not seen those before.

They're very very good but only if you avoid terrible knock off versions (they'll leak all the time)

I had the speed bleeder stuff before because I did a good few track days in my older car. Probably for the AM its overkill


ps. To the OP, you most definitely do NOT have to replace a caliper if a nipple is leaking. If its a piston seal that has gone then that's a very different thing.

Edited by ds2000 on Wednesday 10th June 14:55

[DAVIDOXE]

Stratstone Cardiff ended up replacing one of my calipers because they couldnt stop the bleed nipple leaking.
It was a warranty job too.

[huggy1]

Thanks everyone, great advice. I just couldn't find where to get them from and the stealer, sorry dealer said that it wasn't available separately and it would be a new caliper.

[simonpa]

..and you would consider going back there?

[ds2000]

You have to remember dealers are often replacers and not fixers. If a bleed nipple is quite tight then they'll back out of flushing the brakes (experience I've had) for fear of shearing the nipple.

While I can kind of agree with them covering their backsides they should make it clear to the customer that these things can happen and at least have know how (cleaning, soaking, sometimes some heat) to give it their best go. I've not had one snap on me and have had some awesome Japanese rot boxes in my time

Edited by ds2000 on Thursday 11th June 14:28

[8Tech]

Leaking from the bleed nipple will not be a nipple fault. The nipple is a simple screw with a hole through it that seats on a taper in the alloy caliper. It will almost certainly be corrosion in the alloy of the caliper.

[huggy1]

So.... after the car being in my local dealer for a week, they've now told me the threads on the caliper are shot. My 3rd party warranty said they won't cover stripped threads as it's not a failure but probably caused my human error. The same dealer was the last person to bleed the brakes two years ago and the nipple hasn't been touched since. Do I insist that the dealer accepts responsibility as they've probably over tightened it or do they counter that with 'normal wear and tear' as in corrosion?

On a related note, does anyone know the difference between silver and grey on the calipers, mine are noticeably darker than the standard wheels so I assume that they may be grey.

Thanks guys

[Jon39]

huggy1 said:

On a related note, does anyone know the difference between silver and grey on the calipers, mine are noticeably darker than the standard wheels so I assume that they may be grey.

I think on a new order car, grey is the standard colour, all the others including silver are cost options. £475 extra I believe.

[Stevejay]

Try Harvey's Bristol Cream that something for sore nipples
Apologies but just couldn't resist.

[Stevejay]

Try Harvey's Bristol Cream that something for sore nipples
Apologies but just couldn't resist.

[ds2000]

I think you're a little bit stuck. I'd give one of the vendors a buzz (Bamford Rose would be my choice but there are others) as I get they have some in stock. They may even take your old calliper as it can be stripped and a new thread cut into it and then reused

[huggy1]

Just to conclude this.

The 3rd part warranty authorised a nipple, the dealer said the threads were stripped but then changed that to 'the top one or two threads were stripped'. They have put a new nipple in and hey ho, it's stopped leaking. Thanks to all for advice.

[ds2000]

Good result there! Bloody garages at times!