Broken bleed nipple (or new caliper supplier)

[malcolm]

I've broken a brake bleed nipple flush with the caliper on the F4 van. It didn't take any force so I guess it was quite rusty and will be tricky to remove. I've got Bendix calipers.

Normally this is a sign that the caliper is 35 years old and will cause other troubles, but the only new calipers I've found are the 150 euro each odd looking ones from Der Franzose. Does anyone know of cheaper ones? Or the holders for the odd pistons as I have a couple of them.

Failing that what's the best bet to remove the broken nipple? I don't want to risk an extractor so guess drilling out is the answer. Or something involving a lot of heat as it looks like seal kits are still available. Guessing it's M6.

 

[laxeian]

Unsure about shipping to UK but:-

Pareja de Pinzas de freno Renault 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 y 5 Alpine Tipo Bendix (48mm)

Pareja de Pinzas de freno Renault 4, 5, 6, 7, 12 y 5 Alpine Tipo Bendix (48mm)

piezasautosclasicos.com

Edit, just translated red text in add, looks as if they are awaiting stock, not required quantity for listing, suppose they only have one in stock not a pair

 

[malcolm]

All the mainstream places seem to be 'out of stock'. Paul (mr-reno-139 on here) suggested Big Red https://www.biggred.co.uk/ for parts or reconditioning. Looks like we're back to the old days of rebuilding calipers.

Only one piston on each caliper so I've paid £15 for new seals. I'll need seals as I'll use heat to remove the bleed nipple on the other side. Also good to have front brakes that have a chance of not binding for another 20 years.

 

[blakeyboy]

I keep left hand drills for exactly this occasion, and this is easier since you have a pilot hole in the nipple.

 

[malcolm]

The bleed nipple came out by drilling out with a 6mm bit after everything else failed. The threads are OK.

Calipers now rebuilt with new pistons and seals and looking shiny.

 

[Eccles60]

It's too late in this case but good advice given by an independent specialist of a particular marque is to undo each nipple at least each year to prevent them seizing. With just half a turn there's no danger of air entering the system.

 

[Oldploggin]

Quirks you will find them everywhere there is just to many to list I have just gone through all the wear parts on mine after buying it last September you will need every size of spanner Renault seemed to fit whatever came to hand.Two things if you need to do them if RHD
bottom rad hose I am still looking and have tried every RHD country in the world they are gold dust also if never having been replaced
top and bottom front suspension joints and steering column to rack joint are riveted in place and are a right pain to do but dirt cheap to
buy