Shimano Bleed Valve

[Giff]

Has anyone any tips on removing the bleed valve on the lever end of a Shimano system. It's 2mm hex and it won't budge. I haven't stripped it (yet!) but feel I will if I try any harder with an allen key.

 

[Gary]

if you mean the bleed port bolt simply use a good quality allen key (and not the ball end).
it shouldn't be massively tight.
if rounded it can be removed with molegrips but you'll need a new bolt to replace it with.

 

[Giff]

Thanks for the advice. Mine hasn’t been opened before and is really tight. I think I will order better quality allen bit / socket before trying again.

 

[Stihldog]

I have Shimano levers but the cap/bleed screw is a 2.5mm hex. Btw I over-torqued this screw and stripped the casing once. 1 nm torque I think. And yes, good hex wrenches. Beware of the small rubber seal also. This adds to the stiffness of the screw which is likely why the torque is so low.