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[LC0112G]

3.0 Y/2000 reg Omega Elite.

What size spanner/ratchet is needed to undo the front caliper bleed nipple? I was bleeding the brakes tonight and couldn't get anything to fit. 8mm is too small, and 9mm is too large? Are they some queer imperial size? Or something daft like 8.5mm? Had to use Stilsons in the end but would like to get the correct spanner for next time.

Cheers
Malcolm

[Doctor Gollum]

Were probably 8mm but damage and corrosion would make them bigger... I use a pipe spanner on them. Halfords do a set of three double ended ones giving six sizes from 6-11mm iirc

[tunnie]

Had same issue, they are 8mm but they can easily corrode and round off. I bought a set of replacements when I managed to remove the old ones.

[cam.in.head]

what he said!
if an ordinary spanner wont fit i usually us a surface drive(6 sided) socket to undo them and then if theyre not perfect replace them .i have replaced all mine with stainless.

[LC0112G]

I've tried both 8 and 9mm surface drives. Also tried pipe (brake line), ring and open spanners. M9 just spins barely touching the sides (points). M8 no way is that going on, and my M8 open ended is quite a loose fit normally.

Can't believe they aren't metric if genuine OEM but perhaps someone has replaced them in the past? Ho hum - will try an 11/32nds (8.73mm) and 21/64ths (8.33mm) an see how well the fit.

[cam.in.head]

just been out and checked for you.mine are m9 so it sounds like yours are either worn/ rusted or rounded off.they must be bad if even a surface drive socket wont fit. most motor factors sell them so i would be tempted to get a couple if you need to do it today and then maybee tap on a worn m8 or try an 11/32" imperial to take up the wear!.

[tunnie]

I think I managed to free mine off by using a socket instead, because it had rounded I managed to just force a 7mm on enough, to get it going.

[omega2018]

Fronts - M8 x 1.25
Rears - M8 x 1.00

heat up an old m8 spanner it will expand get it on while hot.  or just grind the spanner a bit.

[terry paget]

My concern on my 2 yearly brake fluid changes is to avoid breaking off the hollow brake nipples. Over the years I have learned to tap a hexagon deep socket over each brake nipple, then with a short extension and a T shaped lever, apply a modest anti clockwise torque. If nipple does not budge, I hammer the caliper nipple housing, and try again.

I used to dread breaking nipples off. I have not brokem off a nipple in 15 years using this technique.