Whilst building up my brake system today I got to the front calipers (sierra).
The first was fine, on the second I managed to shear the bleed nipple off.
I tried welding and then drilling and still couldn't get it out. So I've ruined the thread for the nipple.

Can I tap it again and use a larger nipple (what size?) or do I need to get a new caliper?
If so where can I get a new (to me) caliper (its the teves one).

Really annoyed as I was hoping to have a braked car by this evening.

have you already passed the point of drilling with as close a fit drill bit, and seeing if the remnants will come out with a tap?


if you have welded your nipple, the weld will be like bell metal compared to the caliper, so wont be very pleasant to drill.



relieve the frustration of a snapped nipple, and knock seven bells out of it with a No2 Lada adjuster, and throw it out !


treat yourself to a replacement caliper, which no doubt someone will be along with shortly.


ps its Friday so go have a cold beer

you can get repair kits, drill and tap the calliper for a special tapered thread fitting, they aren't expensive but you will need the correct drill and tap.
Supplier Agrimach

Another option used by professional caliper rebuilders is to drill the nipple hole deeper and use the longer bleed nipples.

Cheers for the replies.
Does anyone know the size of the existing bleed nipples?
Also where to get a new / recon caliper, I want the same as I already have discs and pads.
Do I need to replace both or just the offending caliper?

which side do you need? i put brand new referb callipers on my car then replaced them for willwoods a couple of weeks after passing iva.