Brake calipers

[new to this]

I have a set of front Aliuminium brake calipers , i want to replace the bleed nipples, what would be best stainless steel or brass

Thanks Dave

[marshman]

If you are worried about corrosion - i.e. the bleed nipple seizing in the caliper then I would go for a normal steel one, it is much closer to aluminium in terms of galvanic potential. Brass is mid table so not ideal. For Stainless you would need a low alloy type like 316. If it is high alloy then that sits at the other end of the table to aluminium and when exposed to winter salt on the roads could corrode quite nicely. I would think it might be difficult to get the supplier to give you the spec of the stainless used so there may always be some doubt.

The real key to preserving the thread on the bleed nipple is to prevent them getting wet and thus starting any corrosion. I usually smear a bit of grease around the nipple once the brakes have been bleed to effectively waterproof the thread.

That's just my opinion, I'm sure others will be along with there views.

Roger

[Phil S]

Agree with Roger, use brake grease on the nipple and make sure you use a rubber push on cap to keep dirt out.
Phil

[new to this]

If you are worried about corrosion - i.e. the bleed nipple seizing in the caliper then I would go for a normal steel one, it is much closer to aluminium in terms of galvanic potential. Brass is mid table so not ideal. For Stainless you would need a low alloy type like 316. If it is high alloy then that sits at the other end of the table to aluminium and when exposed to winter salt on the roads could corrode quite nicely. I would think it might be difficult to get the supplier to give you the spec of the stainless used so there may always be some doubt.

The real key to preserving the thread on the bleed nipple is to prevent them getting wet and thus starting any corrosion. I usually smear a bit of grease around the nipple once the brakes have been bleed to effectively waterproof the thread.

That's just my opinion, I'm sure others will be along with there views.

Roger

Roger

Thanks Your idea's ,to be on the safe side I'll use PTFE tape on the thread as well

Thanks Dave

[new to this]

Agree with Roger, use brake grease on the nipple and make sure you use a rubber push on cap to keep dirt out.
Phil

Phil

Good idea about rubber cap to keep dirt out

Dave

[Kithmo]

Best nipples to use would ideally be galvanised (zinc plated) steel, if they're still available.

See this:

[new to this]

Best nipples to use would ideally be galvanised (zinc plated) steel, if they're still available.

See this:

thanks

[Ritchie6]

Always used to be a schoolboy joke about grease nipples being made out of TITanium...…………..I'll get me coat

[Ritchie6]

I usually smear a bit of grease around the nipple once the brakes have been bleed to effectively waterproof the thread.


Roger

I remember years ago when I worked in a garage hearing about a chap who brought his car in to have some work done and the front bleed nipples were absolutely blathered up with grease. When asked what was going on he said that he'd tried to pump grease into them with a grease gun because his brakes were squealing!!

Richard

[davidf]

I remember years ago when I worked in a garage hearing about a chap who brought his car in to have some work done and the front bleed nipples were absolutely blathered up with grease. When asked what was going on he said that he'd tried to pump grease into them with a grease gun because his brakes were squealing!!

Richard

They are out there somewhere, and driving on the same roads as us ! Frightening!!

[trunt]

However.. when confronted with a seized calliper pumping grease in is an excellent way of getting the pistons out!

terry