Fluid seeping from bleed screws.

[MrFlibbleUK]

As you are all probably aware I have overhauled my brakes. I fitted new bleed screws but have noticed that they are seeping brake fluid (from the thread not the top bit that the dust cap fits on), is this normal? I even put the old ones back in and noticed the same thing? am I paranoid?

Thanks

 

[Wolfie]

no not normal.

 

[Supabird1100]

Definitely Not Normal !!!!!

Bleed screws have a tapered thread so they should seal against the taper.

Were the threads absolutely spotless before you re-assembled the calipers?

I wouldn't risk riding it until you sort the problem !!!!!!

 

[MrFlibbleUK]

I have taken the screws out, gave them a clean and popped em back in again but still seem to get the same problem. If fluid is able to seep out wont that mean that air will get in? I have bled the brakes over and over again and dont get any air bubbles. Problem seems to occur, or is more noticeable, when the dust caps are on the bleed screws...does this have any bearing in the problem whatsover?

Really really wish I hadnt touched the brakes.....rassin frassin.....

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

Mr Flibb !!!!!!!!

I think you really need to stay away from doin' brakes

Just make sure you haven't overtightened the bleed nipples,cos sometimes you can crack the ally around the thread & then it's bye,bye old calipers and hello mr cheque book.
As for the dust covers - that's all they are.Consentrate on them not spouting fluid when they're not on.
If in doubt-get it to a dealer otherwise ya could be brown bread if you ain't got a clue

 

[MrFlibbleUK]

Just checked em again....and they had not seeped...but as soon as I put the dust caps on they started to seep fluid!!....whats going on???

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

Check the insides of the dust caps are dry

otherwise any trapped old fluid thats trapped in the cap will be forced out of it and onto the bleed nipple when putting it back on

 

[MrFlibbleUK]

Have spoken to 321 ignition who supplied my delinking kit and they reckon this seepage is very common on the blackbird, especially one my age (1997) their solution was to use loctite on the bleed nipples to essentially make the correct seal. Although loctiting bleed nipples is considered a no no they say they do it to all the bikes that come through as its a blackbird with the older birds and they have had no problems whatsoever.

Am attempting it now so will keep you posted.

 

[reefer]

wouldnt ptfe tape be better for dismantling purposes:dunno: :dunno: :dunno:

 

[dpbxx]

Confused

I dont think that the threaded part of the nipple plays any part in its seal. And anyway at what point is the thread sealer applied. Once the seal is made, moving the thread, ie bleeding the brake will break the seal. Im sure that 321 ignition have a theory but I dont get it:dunno: PBBen has probably hit the nail with the bit about fluid in the caps, (first no seep, apply caps, seep) those tiny rubber caps are not responsible for f?$%^&* up Hondas caliper engineering surely.

 

[Supabird1100]

PTFE Tape Reefer ?????

No..No...No.....!!!!!!! PTFE reacts with brake fluid !!!! Probably not advisable to wrap it around your bleed nipples !!!!!!!!!

:t

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

ptfe tape :t ->there's a chance it could react with the brake fluid.

Loctite - well mate they're your calipers.

A bleed nipple is a bleed nipple and a caliper is just that.The two items are made to fit eachother like a glove.It shouldn't matter what age of bike or in fact any bike-if they are the correct parts for that particular bike,there should be no leaks of air or fluid cos brakes are supposed to stop ingery and death ,not cause them.
They're either damaged/you ain't got a clue or ya takin' the piss!!
If you can't shut off a bleed nipple and stop it from leakin'fluid out & air in-then walk away mate and get someone else to do it.
This may sound harsh but if this is a genuine problem ya got,it's best you stay alive and pay someone to sort it.Sealing the threads with tape or some form of bonding agent is not standard procedure.

 

[Paddy Dougan]

This may soud a little unorthodox, try pulling the lever back, at the point of pressure tape the lever, to the bar (insulating tape) tight against the bar. Leave it for a few hours, if the pressure is less or the lever can now travel further you have a problem.
When you bleed the braking system there will always be fluid left in the nipples this will always come out from the top of the nipple, not the thread. Ben is 100% right about over tightening and getting it to a dealer if you are unsure, NEVER take a CHANCE, you may not get a second one.
Good luck,
Paddy:t

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

Ooh - one other thing

You said->

I fitted new bleed screws

Are you sure they are the correct size.Have you checked the thread pitch against the origionals,the height & diameter ?
It may seem a stupid sugestion but it's just a thought.

 

[reefer]

ptfe tape

"No..No...No.....!!!!!!! PTFE reacts with brake fluid !!!! Probably not advisable to wrap it around your bleed nipples"

well i just checked the bible...i mean manual and it says if your using a suction brake bleeding kit that you can use ptfe tape on the bleed nipple to stop air being sucked in past the threads when you open the nipple up:dunno:
so i guess ptfe tape is ok with brake fluid:dunno:
having said that there is clearly something very wrong with his brakes so using ptfe or thread locking compound is only covering up the problem and not something you wanna do with brakes IMO

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

Reefer

well i just checked the bible...i mean manual and it says if your using a suction brake bleeding kit that you can use ptfe tape on the bleed nipple to stop air being sucked in past the threads when you open the nipple up

Is that only during the bleed process?
Considering how corosive brake fluid is,I'd have thought it would react with PTFE tape if left in contact after prolonget contact :dunno:
As you say it'll only mask the problem and so with an undisided issue over said tape,I'd avoid it's use.It's not used as a standard item so brakes should end up bled sucessfully without it.:dunno:

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

And here's mr flibble

.

 

[MrFlibbleUK]

I am only going on what Seb told me at 321 ignition as regards the loctite, he seemed to think it was a common problem, especially on older birds. I checked the replacement bleed nipples and they are exactly the same as the originals and they are official honda ones as well.

I am taking it for a service on Thursday so will ask them to have a look at the brakes for me. Will keep you all posted.

Thanks for your help and advice.

 

[reefer]

ben..

no i guess it must be ok to use it for good on the brakes..after all you cant put it on the threads, bleed the system then take out the nipple to remove the tape:dunno

mr fibble..cant you get betty to give you a hand doing the brakes:dunno:

"ohhh betty":}

 

[PsychoBikerBen]

I am taking it for a service on Thursday so will ask them to have a look at the brakes for me. Will keep you all posted.

A very wise desision:beer: