Is there a particular type I should be using for these? I'm going to change the fluid in my Xantia over the weekend, so want to bleed the brakes through.
Or do I just use a normal 8mm (or whatever the size is) ring spanner?
Cheers
Particular type of spanner for caliper nipples?
Moderator: RichardW
Particular type of spanner for caliper nipples?
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Make sure you use a spanner with only 6 flats, rather than twelve - much less likely to round it off. Give the nipple a good wire brushing then soak it in penetrating oil (Plus gas is much better than WD-40 at this!). Give the nipple a tap on the end with a small hammer, then put the spanner on and hit it with the heel of your hand (not too hard!). If it won't go easily then you will need to wait a bit and see if the Plus Gas has done the trick, if not then you need to alternately heat the nipple with a blow lamp then cool it with plus gas. Eventually it will fall out - but it may take some time! If you just jump in and swing on the spanner with continuous torque, the nipple WILL snap off, no question!
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Essential piece of kit for the tool box is an 8mm flare nut spanner which will be more accurate than a standard ring spanner and has deeper six point shoulders. Worth getting 10 and 11mm spanners as well if you like playing Citroens.
If you think that the bleed nipple will not move with a spanner, try a six point 8mm deep socket with a tee bar or handle, either 1/4 or 3/8 drive. In line torque is less likely to cause the nipple to shear, unlike the radial tension caused by using a spanner. I have never sheared off a nipple in over 30 years of playing with cars using this method.
If you want to use some penetrating oil, try either diesel or auto trans fluid, much cheaper than all the stuff sold in those silly little cans, and they will work their way into all cavities.
Makes of flare nut spanners? Snap-on, Blue Point or Facom. Most of the others are either made of lead or are not accurate.
IKBA, Handyman
If you think that the bleed nipple will not move with a spanner, try a six point 8mm deep socket with a tee bar or handle, either 1/4 or 3/8 drive. In line torque is less likely to cause the nipple to shear, unlike the radial tension caused by using a spanner. I have never sheared off a nipple in over 30 years of playing with cars using this method.
If you want to use some penetrating oil, try either diesel or auto trans fluid, much cheaper than all the stuff sold in those silly little cans, and they will work their way into all cavities.
Makes of flare nut spanners? Snap-on, Blue Point or Facom. Most of the others are either made of lead or are not accurate.
IKBA, Handyman