Warning: using an impact driver on rusted brake bleeder valves

I snapped two bleeders on a 2010 F-150 last week before I switched to a hand wrench with PB Blaster. Took 20 minutes of soaking and gentle back and forth instead. Anyone else learned this the hard way or is it just me?

2 comments

2 Comments

lucas_johnson2mo ago

Man I gotta disagree here. Impact drivers have their place on bleeders if you know what you're doing. You just gotta use them on the lowest setting and let the hammer do the work instead of forcing it. I've popped loose bleeder screws that were completely round on the outside using a small impact with a six point socket where hand tools just stripped them more. Plus you're way less likely to snap the whole thing off in the caliper if you keep it on low torque and give it quick bursts instead of cranking on it.

ray_carr1mo agoProlific Poster

Oh boy here we go again with the impact driver debate. I've seen guys snap bleeders clean off with hand tools and then blame the tool instead of their gorilla grip. But hey if you can keep your touch light enough to use an impact without turning it into a grenade in there, more power to you, just don't come crying to me when you accidentally hit the trigger a little too long and the bleeder is now a permanent part of the caliper.