What should I use as a replacement thread sealer for my speed bleeders? Do I have to order it from the speed bleeder people or is there some over-the-auto-parts-store-counter stuff that I can use?
TIA
-Ed

 

How about just wrapping the threads of the bleeder in some Teflon tape? That should seal it up.

 

The sealant that Speed Bleeder offers allows you to open the bleeders and close them a number of times. If there is another product that would allow the same sort of multiple cycles without having to replace the sealant it should work.

Teflon tape only allows a single tightening/loosening sequence before the material shreads and no longer works. And there would be a chance that the tape could work its way down the threads and into the system.

 

Thats weird, I've used speed bleeders for a couple years and I didn't have to use any type of sealant? I got them from MidAmerica, they work great.

 

... and therein lies the question. Does anyone know what that other product might be?

 

A heavy wheel bearing grease will work, apply carefully.

 

No, you don't ever want to take the chance of introducing ANY petroleum based product into the system. I've heard of folks using dielectric silicone (electrical) grease for this. I don't like or use speed bleeders so I have little experience with them, personally.

 

IMHO teflon tape has no place on a car. I use teflon paste which will not shred and get into things. Knew a guy once who used teflon tape on his trans cooling lines. All of a sudden the trans was acting up, teflon tape in a valve someplace. Teflon tape is good for household use but absolutely no good for automotive use. Use the paste sparingly and you'll be happier.

 

Cool avatar Midnight!

 

We are all entitled to our opinions & I appreciate yours. As your quote states you don't use speed bleeders. I do & have used a carefully applied heavy grease on the threads only for years with no problem. The oem sealant on speed bleeders will eventually wear off if you bleed the brakes often enough. You could also buy some thread sealer compound (similar to a very weak loctite) if you don't want to use grease or some liquid teflon as Midnight 85 suggested. This also works on the regular brake bleeder screw threads to prevent those "tiny" bubbles you see when you do the traditional 2 man pump/hold/close bleeder system. Never had a probem in 40 years of brake bleeding. If you think about the flow direction of the fluid being bled you'll see there is virtually no chance of the grease being sucked into the caliper.

If none of this makes sense to anyone viewing this thread, then I recommend taking you Vette to an certified auto tech as brakes are not a component that you want to take chances with. I did my first brake job on my 1956 Chevy Bel Air Vert. around 1960. I also currently do the brakes on my wife's 00 Explorer, My 02 Suburban, the LT4, and my daughter's 89 Bronco 2. I did them on my son's Corolla also.

Hope all this helps. Post if you need more info

 

I understand what you're saying about direction of flow and etc. and that the chance of it actually going back into the system is very slim. The only thing I don't like about speed bleeders, vacuum pump and other methods is that I just like seeing, hearing etc. in the way that I'm accustomed to so that I'm 100% confident when all is clear. I realize other folks get good results w/ other methods too, just my preference.

 

Hi Corvette Kid,

I agree with you about seeing & hearing the bubbles then seeing them stop & seeing the clear fluid. All this is good mechanics. If I were working on a car with brake problems or the first time I started maintaining a brake system, I don't think I'd trust the speed bleeders either. But on a car I personally drive & maintain and whose braking system I am the only one touching, I think the bleeders serve a good purpose.

So it comes to using the right tool & procedure for the job.



Thanks for an interesting & civil exchange of posts