Why does nobody talk about using a borescope for stuck brake bleeders?

I was working on a 2012 F-150 in our shop last Tuesday and the rear bleeder was totally frozen. Instead of just cranking on it, I grabbed the cheap $40 borescope we use for spark plug holes. Looking up inside the caliper, I saw the bleeder was packed with rust and road salt, which explained why it wouldn't budge. I soaked it with penetrant for a few hours from the inside and it came right out without snapping. Has anyone else tried this trick on a rusty caliper?

3 comments

3 Comments

black.pat1mo ago

Wait, why would you snap it off if you can see the problem first?

morgan_ramirez1mo ago

Packed with rust" is why I usually just snap them off.

-1

claire_walker1mo ago

Yeah, the "packed with rust" thing is so real. I tried to unscrew one once and the whole head just crumbled. Now I keep a pair of bolt cutters in the truck just for those. Saves so much time and anger.