Well i was bleeding my brakes tonight after doing a rear end swap. I got the lines plumbed and everything in order. I had my wife press the pedal while i bleed them. I went to do the front passenger side and the bleeder snapped off in the caliper, with no pressure at all, i was doing it will a little wrench and it just twisted off. Now i tried easy outs (did not work), then i went and drilled out the bleeder. i got all the crap out but cant get that little bit in the threads. I work at a machine shop but all my tools are there, i plan on getting some picks to pick out the threads but if any one knows the thread size in the caliper that the bleeder goes in that would be great. Now if i end up destroying the caliper threads will a 83 front caliper work. is it the same pressure and pad size, don't want two different ones and really don't want to have to swap both.

what i really want to do is re tap the original caliper so a normal bleeder will work

thanks robert

 

i'm not sold on the retapping of calipers. i'd buy a new one. 79 calipers will only work with a 79 model year. these calipers are often referred to as "wedge" style. 80 only works with 80 and 81-85 are the same, excluding the GSL-SE. now, the brake pads, 79-85 are all the same in the front, again excluding the GSL-SE. remember to bleed your brakes in the following order: RR LR RF LF.

 

well i am planning on re tapping the threads. the threads are not what seal the bleeder, being they are straight and not tapered, it seats on the tip. As long as its not sloppy or galled up, it will work. I'm not going to run it if its a shitty thread but it its clean what can it hurt. I guess i will just to figure the thread size out tomorrow.

 

i agree that if the threads are fairly clean then you may be able to run a tap down there. i've seen people trying to do what you are doing and mar the caliper up pretty bad. you did say however that you work at a machine shop and with that said, it would be likely that you know what you're doing. i dont see what it could hurt. i just personally feel that if the threads are really wasted, i'd buy a new one. if the threads aren't half bad and you could use a pick to clean the shavings out, then go for it and run a tap down there.

 

I'm sure that you are aware of using the correct tool for the job since you work at a machine shop. Only use a line wrench or flare nut wrench as they are refeered to on bleeder screws. Anything else will not direct the proper clamping or angle of leverage to loosen the screw.

As far as thread size goes. You could call your local Auto parts store and have them look up the speedy bleeders for your application. Usually on the back of the package it states the size.

 

Thanks will do, Im going to go by the parts store and find out the size