Don't you suppose that depends on what is stripped?

If the thread of the bleed screw are all that's stripped, then put a new one in. No matter what, put a new one in. If it fixes the trouble then you are home free, if not then you need a caliper.

 

Don't you suppose that depends on what is stripped?

If the thread of the bleed screw are all that's stripped, then put a new one in.

Even if this works, order a new caliper and replace it. Brakes are something you don't want to "fix".

 

If the threads on the caliper are stripped, remove the caliper and retap it to a new size which will depend on the new bleeder. If it were me I'd just buy a new caliper since they aren't that expensive.

 

get a reman caliper from NAPA. it's less than $50 and will be all good.

 

If the bad caliper is on the front, I would HIGHLY recommend replacing them both. The problem with only replacing one on a steering axle is that one caliper might move internally easier than the other and cause steering pull when braking. You should not have to crank on them when seating the bleeder screw. DO NOT tap it out bigger!

 

if the brakes have been properly maintained, they should both move with the same effort.

 

14 y/o car that's been through who knows how many owners - I wouldn't bet that they've been maintained properly. I doubt it would pull either way though, as long as you clean up the sliders on the other one and re-lube them, it will be fine.

I most enthusiastically agree about not trying to repair the caliper. Even if you don't care that it's going to totally screw over the next guy when he wants to get new brake lines - there's no way you're not gonna get chips in the hole from drilling and tapping the new thread. That means you need to pull the caliper apart completely anyways which means new seals, and a good cleaning, getting all the rust off, and now it's become too much of a pain. Just get a new caliper.

 

bleed screws are a softer metal (usually brass) and they give out before the caliper threads. it's very likely you just need a new bleed screw.

if for some reason the caliper is stripped I'd do like has been suggested and buy a remanufactured one/used because they're so inexpensive.