Brake Bleeder Screw rounded

[alber garage]

When I replaced the master cylinder I was never able to bleed the right front brake because the bleeder screw is so rounded off. I am having a hell of a time trying to get it off there so I can replace it. I have tried all of the common suggestions without any success at all.

Now I am considering heating it up with a torch and using vice-grips to try to turn it. Is this generally a safe thing to do or should I be worried about igniting something I shouldn't?

Any other suggestions for removing it are welcome.

Thanks,
Steve

[RiverPatrol]

Heat from a torch will probably do unhappy things to the brake fluid. Do you have another bleeder to replace it with? A last resort is to replace the whole wheel cylinder.

[Esteban]

If the cylinder is out of the vehicle, and then you take the piston out, I don't see a problem using heat.

But most of all I will recommend tons of patience. I recently trashed a rear cylinder. At the end, the bleeder broke (correction: I broke it). Then, I couldn't get it out and ended up doing a sorry mess.

There are many pages on the internet of people that have face this. Try some penetrating oil for days, heat, cold, try no to exert too much force on the bleeder.

I really hope you have luck. Take pictures. Once successful, we all will benefit from them.

[miller]

Have you tried molasses? I've never met a thread that was too stuck for molasses!! Maybe soak the whole cylinder, then use a set of vice grips and she'll screw right out.