Author Topic: Brake bleeder valve thread size?  (Read 545 times)

Online Mikep328

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Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« on: June 03, 2026, 11:12:16 AM »
I'm wanting to install a Stahlbus brake bleeder valve but don't know what thread size the OEM bleeder is.  Anybody know - M7x1x16, M8 x 1.25 x 16, etc?  Thanks!
Mine:
1976 CB400F
1973 Norton 850 Commando
2015 BMW R9T
2017 BMW R1200RS
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Wife's:
2015 Ducati Diavel
2019 Honda Africa Twin
2019 Honda NCT750

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2026, 11:42:32 AM »
Never heard of Stalbus Valve, reads as a good idea though.
I'm surprised the sellers dont have an application chart.

I bought a set of these, very handy, don't know how I managed without them.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/387257447219
« Last Edit: June 03, 2026, 11:20:27 PM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Online Mikep328

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #2 on: June 04, 2026, 05:49:47 AM »
I use them on other bikes.  It more convenient/faster than futzing around with vacuum or pressure bleeders on such small systems.  I have both and use the pressure bleeder for cars but I can bleed motorcycle brakes faster using the bleeder valve when you factor in the time it takes to get the vac or pressure bleeder out, set it up and then put it back away.
Mine:
1976 CB400F
1973 Norton 850 Commando
2015 BMW R9T
2017 BMW R1200RS
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Wife's:
2015 Ducati Diavel
2019 Honda Africa Twin
2019 Honda NCT750

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #3 on: June 04, 2026, 08:03:14 AM »
I use them on other bikes.  It more convenient/faster than futzing around with vacuum or pressure bleeders on such small systems.  I have both and use the pressure bleeder for cars but I can bleed motorcycle brakes faster using the bleeder valve when you factor in the time it takes to get the vac or pressure bleeder out, set it up and then put it back away.

When you have used the bleeder valve to get a good air free lever feel,  do you then swap back to the standard one or do you leave it in place?
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Online Mikep328

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #4 on: June 04, 2026, 08:42:36 AM »
"When you have used the bleeder valve to get a good air free lever feel,  do you then swap back to the standard one or do you leave it in place?"

It replaces the standard bleed screw permanently. 

Attach a tube from the bleeder valve to a cup/plastic bottle, whatever; open the top section of the bleeder 1/2 turn; pump the brake lever until no bubbles (ensuring master cylinder doesn't run out of fluid); tighten top section; remove tube.  There is no need to open/close the bleeder as you pump the brake lever.

As I said, on a motorcycle it's much faster than pressure/vacuum bleeders simply because there is no time involved in getting the equipment out/putting it away.  This would NOT be the case with a car; pressure bleeder is much better!!!!
« Last Edit: June 04, 2026, 08:46:20 AM by Mikep328 »
Mine:
1976 CB400F
1973 Norton 850 Commando
2015 BMW R9T
2017 BMW R1200RS
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Wife's:
2015 Ducati Diavel
2019 Honda Africa Twin
2019 Honda NCT750

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #5 on: June 04, 2026, 10:18:47 AM »
Have you identified the thread size you need on your 400F ?

I am not sure if this is correct, internet search says M8 x 1.25 ??

Update looks like M7
« Last Edit: June 04, 2026, 01:26:31 PM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline McMaz

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2026, 11:08:43 AM »
A search for Honda part number '45224-579-013 Brake Caliper Bleed Screw' shows thread size to be M7 (7mm) in diameter.

Online Mikep328

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2026, 11:29:16 AM »
So it's either M7 or M8... ?

My measuring of the outside diameter of the 400F bleeder screw thread comes up with 8mm though I'm doing this by eye with a ruler, NOT with a caliper.  I have no way to accurately measure the thread pitch.  Stahlbus has M7 valves in 1mm thread pitch and M8 in either 1 or 1.25 thread pitch.  So, at the moment I have no idea which of the three to order!!!  ;) I'll check if the local hardware store has a bolt/nut thread gauge to  measure the threads..
Mine:
1976 CB400F
1973 Norton 850 Commando
2015 BMW R9T
2017 BMW R1200RS
2021 Moto Guzzi V7 Special
Wife's:
2015 Ducati Diavel
2019 Honda Africa Twin
2019 Honda NCT750

Offline Yetanotherbike

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2026, 12:48:28 PM »
If I recall correctly, you can try counting the number of threads over 10 mm.  IE 10mm/8 threads = 1.25 pitch
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Online K2-K6

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #9 on: June 04, 2026, 01:11:13 PM »
As above, can be quantified or could be checked against a "gauge" with the spark plugs being 1.25mm pitch, take the bleed nipple and drop threads into each other to get confirmation if it matches or differs by plus or minus to indicate which pitch you have.

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #10 on: June 04, 2026, 01:27:55 PM »
I've checked my 400, it measures more like a M7 as McMaz says,

I checked the nipple thread o/d against my M7 thread gauge tool certainly not M8.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2026, 01:36:11 PM by McCabe-Thiele (Ted) »
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline McMaz

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #11 on: June 04, 2026, 04:07:13 PM »
I think the M8 refers to to spanner size of the nipple, not the thread size

Offline McCabe-Thiele (Ted)

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #12 on: June 04, 2026, 05:34:39 PM »
I think the M8 refers to to spanner size of the nipple, not the thread size

Yes mine are M8 for a ring spanner, thread definitely looks like M7.
Honda CB400NA Superdream (current money puddle)
Honda CB500 K1 (second money pit)
https://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,28541.0.html
Honda CB400 four super sport (first money pit)
Link to my full restoration http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,23291.0.html
This is a neat 500 restoration in the USA.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.msg1731556.html#msg1731556

Offline Skoti

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #13 on: June 04, 2026, 06:04:13 PM »
I use them on other bikes.  It more convenient/faster than futzing around with vacuum or pressure bleeders on such small systems.  I have both and use the pressure bleeder for cars but I can bleed motorcycle brakes faster using the bleeder valve when you factor in the time it takes to get the vac or pressure bleeder out, set it up and then put it back away.

Never found a need for this on my 750, I normally just loosen the bleed nipple and let it gravity bleed without pumping the brake lever.
Tighten the bleed nipple when bubbles stop appearing and Bob's yer uncle.

Brake fluid change every 2 years is enough to keep any corrosion at bay. 


Good luck
Skoti


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1976 Honda CB750F1

Offline Oddjob

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Re: Brake bleeder valve thread size?
« Reply #14 on: June 05, 2026, 07:32:33 PM »
Seem to recall Mike it's a M7 x 1.00.
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