Hey there!

I'm trying to bleed, but the rear brake nipples are hidden!! Whoever mounted the cylinders pushed them too much on the inside, so it's impossible to loosen the nipple. The screws holding the cylinder are rotten and rounded . I've tried to use some vice grips around the nipple, with some small screwdriver inside it, but it doesn't budge.

The only thing I can do is to undo the main pipe; that works.

I don't have time to hammer at it, but I really need to bleed the system, it's long overdue.

QUESTION:

Can I bleed rear brakes just by letting the fluid drain from the main pipe? (gravity).

I still haven't tried, but I suspect the brake fluid will actually drip inside the drum, rather on the outside. That's mainly because the cylinder is pushed inwards. This is not ideal, but if I at least can bleed the whole thing I will be happy.

Another concern is that air will come in the system where the main pipe connects to the cylinder.

Cheers!

Take some pictures of the problem and post them here.

If there's no air in the system, and your just doing a service bleed (BFC), then why not just do the fronts for the time being? Then replace the rear wheel cylinders when the weather improves.

it seems to me that you have some work on your hands, don't try to bleed the brakes by just undoing the main pipe, all that will happen is that you will get more air in the system. If you have tried to bleed from the main pipe, then don't do it by gravity but by opening pipe, pumping brake, holding brake down then closing pipe. (it's a two person job unless your rubber man). If brake fluid has leaked into the drum then your screwed and you will need to replace the pads.I am not knowledgeable with the freelander 1 rear brake system but it sounds like you need to remove the drums, and set new bleed nipples, if they are really stuck then it is possible that drilling them out is the only option or replacing what ever you need to solve the situation.

I think I see the problem as I fitted a pair of new rear cylinders and the bleed nipple is set back into the rear plate more than the original. A six sided quarter drive socket fit on mine to crack it then back to a spanner and tube to bleed.

I ended up bleeding from the main pipes. The brake feels ok. The bolts to remove the cylinder are stuck. The bleed pipe also seems stuck. I cannot imagine who did this screwy job.....

And because it's aluminium at play I would most likely brake them. My only option was to buy 2 new cylinders. I obviously chose not to do so. Went easy way out . I will only try braking them free when they die.

Thanks for the update - I guess the cylinders can get replaced when you next service the rear brakes.