Rounded Bleed screw.

calsh
calsh Posts: 16
edited February 2017 in MTB workshop & tech
Hi, I happen to have rounded the bleed nipple screw on my avid elixir r brake lever. (front) i cant get it out, and the brake doesen't have any brake power as i cant bleeed it now :(. i am stuck with ideas of what to do really, i dont want to but a whole new brake lever just because of this. anyone know?
thanks for any answers in advance

Comments

  • clamps81
    clamps81 Posts: 315
    How big is the screw (IE, can you drill it out and get a tap screw in there) and how badly is it rounded? Have found with really small screws you can remove them even if really badly rounded simply by using a very good quality screwdriver. Most small ones are total cack, but a really good quality one will often do the job.
    Edit : Could also try superglue. Bond something suitable to it and use that to unscrew it.
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  • Worzel 72
    Worzel 72 Posts: 13
    You could also try making a cut in the top of what's left with a junior hacksaw then just unscrewing it.
    Boardman Pro Ht 2010
    Spicy 516 2012
  • The bleed port on the elixer uses a torx screw which sits slightly proud so you have four options.

    1: Hopefully you are using a trox bit to remove the screw and not an allen key. If your using an allen key it will round out the fitting. Try the right size torx bit, and if this does purchase, try tapping the next size up into the hole with a small hammer. It should create a new face which wil give you the purchase to remove.

    2: If 1 doesnt work then get a small flat screw driver with a blade slightly wider than the hole and gently hammer it. It should give you just enought purchase to get the screw out and you can then replace it.

    3: If 1 & 2 didnt work then you can cut a small slot across the top of the screw head using a saw blade. This will allow you to get a larger bladed flat screw driver in to unscrew it.

    4: If none of the above works then its time for the drill, or LBS.

    Once youve got it out and replaced get yourself the proper torx bit for undoing them in future.
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  • calsh
    calsh Posts: 16
    Thanks guys. I'll try your suggestions later on, and then get back to you!
    i have been using a torx bit, but it's probably not that good quality. probably have to buy better ones soon :P
  • calsh
    calsh Posts: 16
    i just successfully bled my front brake :) i hammered the right size torx bit in and it worked, i dont think it was too badly rounded, but now i can get the screw out when i get another one from somewhere. thanks for all the help :)
  • Hi all,

    I've managed to round out the bleed port screw on my elixir 3 brake lever! :evil: This is just after opening and closing it about 3 times..
    Hopefully my attempt to glue a torx 10 screwdriver attachment head to it works and I can remove it.

    My question therefore is where can I source a new bleed port screw?

    Thanks for any help.