Tips From the Week's Brake and Tire Projects
Previous owners had replaced the rear brake calipers on the E450 we bought in late 2008. I found one bleeder screw badly stuck, had to bang on the six-point 3/8" box wrench but did get it loose. Other bleeder rounded off even using a new six-point socket. Was able to remove using Channel Lock pliers but couldn't get to the bleeder with those before I took the caliper off. So:
Tip Number One: Put a little NeverSeez on the Bleeder Threads! I power wire brushed the rear bleeders (had a spare from an old caliper) and applied the compound. Today I took the bleeders out of the new calipers and applied compound. I can only hope they can be loosened in the future.
Tip Number Two: Air-Through Tire Valve Caps. If you got a set of custom valves from Chuck (Tire-Man) recently they came with these caps. They keep dirt out, protect and don't depress the valve stem, and make checking/airing as easy as pushing your gauge or air chuck on. They're known as V2B, Gator, and Crocodile but I found them at NAPA yesterday as NAPA 90-319 or NTH 90319 (for Napa Tire Hardware). Four for about $6 on one of their spin-around racks. I've seen them for less but there's either shipping or you have to buy dozens. They're simply great.
Tip Number One: Put a little NeverSeez on the Bleeder Threads! I power wire brushed the rear bleeders (had a spare from an old caliper) and applied the compound. Today I took the bleeders out of the new calipers and applied compound. I can only hope they can be loosened in the future.
Tip Number Two: Air-Through Tire Valve Caps. If you got a set of custom valves from Chuck (Tire-Man) recently they came with these caps. They keep dirt out, protect and don't depress the valve stem, and make checking/airing as easy as pushing your gauge or air chuck on. They're known as V2B, Gator, and Crocodile but I found them at NAPA yesterday as NAPA 90-319 or NTH 90319 (for Napa Tire Hardware). Four for about $6 on one of their spin-around racks. I've seen them for less but there's either shipping or you have to buy dozens. They're simply great.
