So I recently installed akebono calipers on my coupe. Quick background, they were purchased used but the brakes had a couple thousand miles on them so they were basically new.

So I found out a couple weeks ago that the paint around the bleeder screw was peeling and saw that they were leaking. I ordered new ones and replaced them this past weekend. Before putting the wheels back on, I had my friend pump the brakes to see if any fluid leaked around the threads. Nothing, so put everything back together and I found that there is fluid around the rubber guard to the screw. Not as bad as before but there is still a leak.

Searched the forums and ideas range from not tight enough to needing a new caliper because of stripped threads. Just posting to see if anyone had fresh ideas/any input to help.

Thanks!

 

Might need a little teflon tape around the threads of the bleeders, just a couple wraps should suffice, be sure to carefully cut any excess as you don't want any getting into the lines.

 

^^^ +1 Teflon tape on your bleeders will fix this. Teflon tape should be in everyone's garage, at least people on this forum.

 

Yeah, x3 on the tape, easy fix.

 

I read that the bleeder screw seals on the bottom, so do I tape the bottom under the hole? Or the threads above the hole?

 

Tape would go onto the threads only. As said make sure it only goes on the threads to avoid contaminating the system.

 

If you notice, the bottom of the bleeder screw is in the shape of a V. It is possible the seat in the caliper is deformed, thus not sealing properly. Could also be incorrect bleeder screws. How tight are you tightening them down? I use a small wrench (6"?) when doing mine, and just snug it down some. When you removed the original ones, were they deformed at all?

 

​​​​​​The bleeder screws I got from rockauto, so I'm hoping they are correct. They fit perfect and look identical to oem ones off the car. As for tightening, I did what you just described; small 10 mm wrench about 6 in and just got them snug and just a tiny bit extra. The old ones didn't look noticeably deformed. I haven't driven my car very hard lately and I'm wondering if the leak is just so minor that it happens under repeated hard braking? I'll probably do the Teflon tape when I have time one of these weekends and see if that resolves my issue.