996 C4S Sticky Nipples ;)

Hi 911UK During my last service I was advised the brake fluid cannot be changed due to seized nipples. I declined to have it fixed there and then as I needed to get home from work so nipples were left as is Now I have some time off I'm looking to fix the nipples but don't want to fit standard ones that will seize again. I have searched online and there are a few threads with stainless or titanium nipples but I'm just not sure what is best or where to buy them as a lot of the seller links are now dead Also the links show nipples with different lengths how long should a 996 nipple be? So a simple question really what nipples are best for the long term and where is best to get them? Next question is what if it goes wrong? Do I helicoil repair? I believe they need a different seat to an standard helicoil? Or do I just send to a refurb company? And if sending for repair who is best and what should I pay? Thanks Winny

I have 2 snapped bleed nipples and need to get the calipers off during the holidays. The 2 options I have had recommended are http://www.biggred.co.uk/ https://pro-calipers.co.uk/

Get them removed by Pro calipers he has a lot of experience of doing this, with them being hollow they tend to break off easily if you apply any force when they are corroded in place and they become a nightmare to get out once they break. Use the best stainless ones you can buy, I've had stainless fitted for years now and they have always opened up easily. Length isn't too much of an issue just as long as they aren't too short. The original part number is 93035191900 and they are M10 x 1.0 threads so you can research the size you need, I can't find the exact length for them though.

Go to your local Screwfix and order some crack-it freeze spray. Spray this liberally down the nipple hole and all over the nipple, do this lots of times, the spray gets into the corrosion and un-seizes the nipples. Six point sockets, that don't slip help too. If you remove the caliper, warming the caliper with boiling water helps too. So does immersing it in a ultrasonic tank. The nipples are undoubtedly stuck due to galvanic corrosion between the different metals. This will happen with SS - Aluminium, as well as Mild Steel Aluminium, so is there any benefit in SS?

I had great success with my stuck nipples, I changed them all for standard and will just replace them each brake fluid service. I only managed to remove 2 with a 6 sided socket and t bar. the other 6 would have snapped for sure given the force I applied. I got the other 6 using the same 6 sided socket and a low powered impact gun.

Stainless works a treat as I have proved with my brake calipers, exhaust manifold bolts and exhaust joint bolts in various metals for many years.

I wish I had tried my 12volt impact gun now.

I considered my 18v impact driver but eventually succeeded with a T bar and 6 point socket. I used my 1/2" socket set rather than my usual 3/8", seems silly but it gave me more control. You need to avoid any bending loads when turning the nipple.

Thanks everyone I'm going to go for the slightly longer nipples just to be sure in stainless I had heard of pro callipers but not big red so will look into both if it all goes wrong Is the crack it freeze spray better plus gas? Merry Christmas everyone Winny

Plus gas is a pentrant, crack it is one too but also makes the nipples colder. The secrets with both is time and use lots

Thanks :thumbs:

Worth tapping the nipple with a hammer too, before and after using penetrating fluid to try to crack any corrosion and allow the fluid in. A sharp tap on the top in the direction of the length of the nipple, not sideways, but go easy so as not to damage it.