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Russell Speed Bleeders SB1010S...stripped the threads
I went to bleed the brakes and install Russell Speed Bleeders SB1010S today.
I've used these Speed Bleeders with much success on Japanese and American cars but they failed me with the Mini. User error? Aluminum caliper too soft? Not sure.
They are quite a bit longer than the OEM bleeder as you can see in the pic. I couldn't tell when to stop feeding it down because the thread locker was creating a lot of resistance. I tightened it down to various depths into the caliper but fluid kept coming out... it wouldn't seal. So when it could not go any further down in I realized the threads were stripped. I was very very deliberate about the install.
I think the thick thread locker on the Speed Bleeder and the soft aluminum was too much and the threads gave out. I would have used a Helicoil but didnt have the right size and a new Helicoil set is almost as much as a used caliper from RockAuto and now I have metal bits in the caliper which might cut the rubber seals if I cannot get them all out. Not sure Helicoil would seal pressurized brake fluid anyway. TimeSert inserts would but those are $100 a set. Nuts.
Anyway be careful is you use these. They are M10 x 1.0 threads.
I'm pretty sure a helicoil would work okay given that Bleeders seal on the tapered tip, not the thread. If you did that then I'd take it out of the car and do it upside down, then flush/vacuum out the chips.
Not a fan of speed bleeders. I've tried every method of brake bleeding and my advice is to just get a Motive Power Bleeder. They're not that expensive and a lot easier and more effective to use.
ya but Name brand Helicoil kit is $50, and the caliper is original from 2008 so I am ok with sacrificing it. If it was newer I would def try and save it.
I could do a homemade Timesert...but given any leak/failure would leave me in a bad spot.....not sure its worth the time.
The 0100 works with Mini and most other European makes. If you plan to use it frequently I'd probably get the 0109 version: it has a metal fitting and swivel attachment that makes it easier to use.
That's it, yes. The base model has a plastic screw-on fitting and no swivel. It's fine, it's just that the hose gets twisted when you tighten the fitting onto the reservoir. The metal one is nicer to use.
Im bummed the speed bleeder might not work with the aluminum calipers. I did have to apply a LOT of leverage to get the original bleeder loose so I suspect the threads were compromised.
I love the Speed Bleeder because its less tools needed...just open and pump. Im buying this pump just for the Mini. My other cars have always had the speed bleeders on them.
