Rear bleeder ***** totally stripped

[Mach1460]

I replaced the rear brake lines on my 69 , when I was finished I get ready to bleed them starting with my passenger rear wheel and it was totally stripped off. So after trying to pound a smaller sized socket on there with no luck, I picked up a set of Twist Out sockets from the local auto parts store. Get the 3/8 twist out on there, seemed tight and it took some effort to get it to let loose, then as I kept on ratcheting i realized that I had just rounded it off worse. I have tried everything I can to get this damn thing loose, brand new vise-grips as tight as I could possibly get them, I have tried it all and my next idea is to take off that wheel and brake assembly and the backing plate and go from there. UNLESS, anyone has another idea I can try.... I realize that no matter how much you swear and throw wrenches some of these bolts just wont budge

 

[STLKIKN]

It may be quicker and much less frustrating to just buy new wheel cylinders, but, that said...

You'll need a propane torch and Vise Grip type pliers with very good teeth to try this.

1) crack the brake line loose ( it'll help prevent the hot/ expanding fluid from pushing the cups out of the cyl)

2) heat the bleeder ***** until it is hot enough to start the brake fluid smoking, tap the tip of the bleeder with a smallish hammer, repeat for the other side.

3) return to the first side and heat again, repeat for the other side

4) attempt to remove the bleeder using the vise grips.

Use caution while doing this, the brake fluid may catch fire, it WILL BE HOT, heating can cause the wheel cyl cups to rupture, the rubber brake line may explode!! ( not pretty, hot fluid everywhere... VERY loud)

DO NOT reuse the bleeder screws, they are cheap and easy to get....

and as mentioned, it will probably be less time consuming to just purchase new cylinders for both sides.

Good luck