Brake fluid change - issue with rear offside caliper

[Bobbybiscuit]

I took my Z3 1.9 (2002) for a brake fluid change - what came out was BLACK! (only recently bought the car)

All but the rear near side bleed valve had fluid come out. Even when the bleed valve was removed still no brake fluid. They removed the pipe up flexi pipe and fluid came out so brake fluid was getting to that point. On that basis they are going to replace the rear caliper and flexi pipe which makes sense to me.

Am I missing something here?

Thanks

 

[t-tony]

It is possible that the very end of the bleed screw has broken off in the hole which it seals in the calliper. You should be able to loosen the flexible hose at the calliper enough that when pressure is applied at the brake pedal fluid should leak out around the thread of the hose at the calliper. If it does, clamp the hose with enough force to stop fluid travel, then try removing the bleed screw totally and push the calliper piston back into the calliper. If it won't push back either the bleed screw hole is blocked or the piston is seized. Rear callipers are stupidly expensive compared to front ones and rebuilding them is the best option.

Tony.

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

It is possible that the very end of the bleed screw has broken off in the hole which it seals in the calliper. You should be able to loosen the flexible hose at the calliper enough that when pressure is applied at the brake pedal fluid should leak out around the thread of the hose at the calliper. If it does, clamp the hose with enough force to stop fluid travel, then try removing the bleed screw totally and push the calliper piston back into the calliper. If it won't push back either the bleed screw hole is blocked or the piston is seized. Rear callipers are stupidly expensive compared to front ones and rebuilding them is the best option.

Tony.

Thanks for your quick reply. The bleed screw was removed in one piece and still no fluid.
Yes very expensive. Fortunately will 15% off final price over 65. Can’t do repairs myself no garage. Parking space on a sideways slope. Mot very soon !!!

 

[t-tony]

Sounds like you’ll have to grin and bear it then. Have you checked the steel pipe on the suspension arm for being crushed? Just because the bleed screw was in one piece doesn’t rule out the hole isn’t blocked, did you check it with a bit of wire ?

Tony.

ps. You could buy a pair of second hand rear callipers and have them rebuilt ready to straight swap?

 

[Bobbybiscuit]

I think you right about biting the bullet . The brake fluid in the car was really really black. Looks like never been changed! So most likely knackered the caliper. I like the idea of buying a used one for the other side and do that up. Dreading MOT - but hopefully will be just the advisories. Thanks again.

 

[t-tony]

Hope the MOT doesn’t turn out as bad as you fear mate. Good luck.

Tony.