Caliper bleed nipple replacement

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whizzee111s

whizzee111s

New Member
Joined
Dec 18, 2019
Messages
7
Location
essex, england
Car
CLS63S AMG
Guys
I had my CLS63SAMG serviced and the bleed nipple broke on the front caliper im being told that the calipers are not of a suitable metal to be able to extract the broken thread and install a new nipple, is this correct surely it can be removed, retapped to larger size and a bigger nipple installed.

Advice much appreciated

Steve
 
I'm not familiar with the model, but:
1. Who was the heavy-handed person who snapped the nipple in the first place ?
They can be over-tightened, but breaking them off is usually avoidable.
2. It should be possible to drill out the nipple in order to insert a suitable extractor to remove the weakened nipple.
An overnight application of a good penetrating oil will help.
3. I'm not clear how the grade of metal (presumably a grade of cast iron) will affect this.
 
whizzee111s said:
Guys
I had my CLS63SAMG serviced and the bleed nipple broke on the front caliper im being told that the calipers are not of a suitable metal to be able to extract the broken thread and install a new nipple, is this correct surely it can be removed, retapped to larger size and a bigger nipple installed.

Advice much appreciated

Steve
Click to expand...
I would ask these guys: Brake Caliper Refurbs – Specialist brake caliper refurbishment, caliper painting, caliper servicing, big brake setup
 
We had a similar discussion on here a few years ago when a member with an AMG had the bleed nipple snapped off and was told to buy a new calliper.

I think back then the general consensus is that they can be repaired , it is after all just a metal threaded part snapped off in an aluminium block.

I would be more concerned about who was going to pay for it ...and to never take my car to that garage ever again.

If the garage that broke it are telling you it needs a new calliper , tell them 'fine , let me known when you have paid for and replaced the calliper and I will come and collect my car...' Job done.
 
Or some one that never had a Meccano to play with, so as to learn how to remove a nut, and tighten it up after.
The best way to remove a bleed nipple is to fit a good tight fitting drill bit down the center of the nipple to give it strength ,along with penetrating oil . Any thing can be repaired ,so take it to a good workshop they will extract it for you .
 
OK, well I sheared the bleed nipple off my AMG caliper. I've worked on cars for 30 years and can't remember the last time I sheared a bolt. The calipers are Brembo alloy and the nipples mild steel. Add a bit of road salt and they really seize in. I used a lot of penetrating oil and care. 5 nipples opened, the 6th sheared without warning. So I'd say it can happen and MB just say replace the caliper.

I did replace the caliper but I also got the old one repaired. I used a specialist machine shop. First they welded to the top, built up the weld and attempted to undo it (the heat usually frees them off). The weld sheared - this happened 3 times. They then drilled it out and it fought all the way. They did it but the seat got slightly damaged and the nipple threads had a lot of corrosion. So it was fixed but not to my satisfaction.

In the end I found a specialist: Brembo Brake Caliper Refurbishment costs at Pro-Calipers

They did a beautiful job, re-cut the seat and fitted a time-sert. The thread is now better/stronger than a new caliper.

So in summary it can be fixed but you'll need to remove it (capping or clamping the brake lines because the whole system will drain) and send it off.

Alternatively if it's the front right, and you have the same calipers as me, I might have a spare I could sell!!
 
What Jason said...
If they havent' been touched in a couple of years, the two metals hate each other.
Mine snapped when replacing the brake fluid (service). It was the last one to be done as well (sods law)
Tried to drill out but, the new nipple just wouldn't tighten enough for my satisfaction.
Replaced the whole caliper with an exchange one from MB dealer (£350ish)
 
jasonh said:
OK, well I sheared the bleed nipple off my AMG caliper. I've worked on cars for 30 years and can't remember the last time I sheared a bolt. The calipers are Brembo alloy and the nipples mild steel. Add a bit of road salt and they really seize in. I used a lot of penetrating oil and care. 5 nipples opened, the 6th sheared without warning. So I'd say it can happen and MB just say replace the caliper.

I did replace the caliper but I also got the old one repaired. I used a specialist machine shop. First they welded to the top, built up the weld and attempted to undo it (the heat usually frees them off). The weld sheared - this happened 3 times. They then drilled it out and it fought all the way. They did it but the seat got slightly damaged and the nipple threads had a lot of corrosion. So it was fixed but not to my satisfaction.

In the end I found a specialist: Brembo Brake Caliper Refurbishment costs at Pro-Calipers

They did a beautiful job, re-cut the seat and fitted a time-sert. The thread is now better/stronger than a new caliper.

So in summary it can be fixed but you'll need to remove it (capping or clamping the brake lines because the whole system will drain) and send it off.

Alternatively if it's the front right, and you have the same calipers as me, I might have a spare I could sell!!
Click to expand...
Cheers ill try the Brembo link but just as a comparison how much would you sell tha caliper for
 
I've had a quick look and the caliper I have is for a C63 and it seems to be different to your CLS63S.

Secondhand AMG 6 pot Brembo calipers in varying conditions seem to sell for around £300 on ebay.
 
The Scottish 'Farmer' method of repair is a sound one but I some how doubt there would be enough 'meat' on an AMG sports calliper to drill such a big hole.

But it would certainly be worth a try before forking out for a new one. :thumb:
 
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