Just installed new rotors (stock) pads ( Hawk HPS ) ss lines, and speed bleeders. while bleeding the brakes, I noticed that the bleeder is loose in the caliper. When I push the brake pedal, fluid comes out between the bleeder and the caliper. Are you suppose to put any sealer or tape on these things before you install them?. The brakes are acting like there is air in the system ( soft pedal, car not wanting to slow down ) I have bleed the car twice, and cant think of anything else that can be wrong. Looking for inputs.

Thanks
Kevin

 

I would put some teflon tape on the threads of the bleeders. I would also contact the maker just to be sure there is not a defect and to verify the application.

What brand did you get?

 

I have been using Earl's speed bleeders for 2 yrs. The bleeder seals on the end of the bleeder and not the threads. Just like the stock bleeders you do not need tefflon tape on the threads. If it is leaking there it is because the seat area is damaged in the caliper or on the end of the bleeder. Over tightening can cause this damage.

 

I would not use Teflon tape anywhere near the calipers..... you do not want to get pieces/particles of tape into the braking system.

 

x2 on NOT using the tape near brake fluid

 

I will be installing speed bleeders this week so I guess I won't be using any teflon tape...

 

These are the ones I have in. Can you tell me if they are loose in the caliper as you are bleeding the brakes? By loose I mean, you can move it side to side in the caliper. It doesn't move alot, but you can move it.

Thanks

 

Casey, which one's are you using? Can you tell me if they are loose when you install them?

Thanks

 

I've used speed bleeders in the past on several cars, but had a couple of them leak at the threads after around 6 months or so when I went to bleed/flush the brake fluid again. They come with thread sealant on the threads, but apparently it doesn't always stand up to repeated use.

I ended up just buying a vacuum bleeder to simplify things, and it has been much cheaper in the long run since we own multiple cars. Heck, the Volvos we used to own had three bleeders on each front caliper.

 

I got the Russell from Summit and I plan the install for tomorrow. So I will post here tomorrow night if all goes well and I don't get rained out in the middle of the install again like I did last week when I installed my UDPs. (boy did that suck LOL)

 

My Russell bleeders don't leak and feel snug when bleeding and tighten down perfectly. I installed them yesterday and bled my brakes as advertised. Nice product.

 

Pretty sweet aren't they. For less than $20 bucks it makes bleeding brakes a one man job!!