Potential dumb question time re bleed nipples

Hmm, bit more reading round regarding the ptfe tape and it seems opinion is split.

Times like this I just want to get rid of the bloody thing.

I am still sticking with my unscientific theory of just unwinding the bleed nipple a touch. I am only talking about a tiny adjustment, say 5 degrees, if that. And make sure the threads are totally clean. My ones had a recurring damp stain around the top of the caliper or visible wetness at the lowest bit of visible thread either overnight or after any ride, immediately after doing a brake caliper clean up. Very slight slackening and twas gone.

Not sure I'd want to be looking at a track day with brakes I didn't have full faith in given the extra stresses they'll likely be under.

[aesmith]

Originally Posted by AkiraSV

Hmm, bit more reading round regarding the ptfe tape and it seems opinion is split.

PTFE seems a bad idea, it'll get minced when the bleed nipple's slackened off for bleeding, then can't be replaced except by completely removing the nipple. Personally if you're worried I'd go for a dab of silicone or red rubber grease.

[Winder]

If it makes you feel any better i have this on my k4 SV, the brakes work sweet and everytime i have serviced the brakes or bled the brakes it hasn't got any worse or better.
I'm not bothered about it and ride my bike most days.

Originally Posted by aesmith

PTFE seems a bad idea, it'll get minced when the bleed nipple's slackened off for bleeding, then can't be replaced except by completely removing the nipple. Personally if you're worried I'd go for a dab of silicone or red rubber grease.

Red rubber grease? I've got some of that kicking round too - around the threads or just where the threads come out the face of the caliper?

Originally Posted by Winder

If it makes you feel any better i have this on my k4 SV, the brakes work sweet and everytime i have serviced the brakes or bled the brakes it hasn't got any worse or better.
I'm not bothered about it and ride my bike most days.

Interesting, how long has this been occurring?

[Winder]

since i've owned it, just over a year now

[yorkie_chris]

IF you think about how a bleed nipple works then PTFE tape is silly.
There's a ruddy great hole in the thing below the threads!

You've got a metal-on-metal seat.


First method, slacken and tighten it a few times.
If that doesn't work: Remove nipple, clean it, flush a little bit of fluid out. Retighten.

If that doesn't work then get a new nipple and recut the seat.

Didn't go down the PTFE route in the end. Instead tightened up a bit more (whilst cringing slightly, I must admit). Seems fine now, track day went fine and the brakes were really, really good.

Bikes are silly.