siezed xantia break disk securing screws (torx) - any ideas?

[pseud]

Hi Folks

I think the subject line about says it all - very frustrating moment - never had trouble with these (but, not had a lot of experience either). The torx splines have all sheered and I bashed in a hex-key impact bit and then that just made a nice neat little circle in the middle of the screw head when I applied some force...

Does anyone have any little tricks for this particular irritation? I can see myself drilling off the screw heads and then being stuck wondering how to get the screw sans head out of the hub...

Many thanks, Morgan

[Gibbo2286]

Hammer (No not a big one) and centre punch should do the trick if you're careful, just tap it gently round from the edge.

[Hell Razor5543]

I would also suggest using Plus Gas on the screws, allowing it to soak in (and repeated applications over several days) to loosen off the bolts. Then, when you fit the new screws, use copper slip grease on the threads (and the back of the disks where they meet up with the hubs) to make it easier to remove them in the future. The screws only need to be done up reasonably tight, as it is the wheel bolts that really hold things together.

[white exec]

Second all the above. Also possible to drill a hole in the remains of the screw, and then use a bolt extractor - or, of you don't have one, use the square tang-end of a file (the stouter the better), tapped in, then gently try to unscrew.

[pseud]

Hammer (No not a big one) and centre punch should do the trick if you're careful, just tap it gently round from the edge.

Hmm, I'm not familiar with this technique - use the punch to strike (tap) the screw head at a tangent to it's circumference so driving the screw head round?

Thanks
M

[white exec]

That's the technique.

[pseud]

I would also suggest using Plus Gas on the screws,

Plus Gas applied - cupa tea and bed. Centre punch sharpening first thing in the morning.

Thanks all
M

[lexi]

I have drilled loads out. Just take enough of head off to remove disc. You can sometimes get a grip on what is left with vise grips. The heat from drilling can loosen them. Have drilled and tapped a few too. Order up some stainless replacements anyway on ebay. Moved a few with Gibbo's method...........and failed with it too.

[myglaren]

Try a masonry bit in a hammer drill in reverse. Brute strength and ignorance but it will sometimes/often shake them loose.

[pseud]

... masonry bit in a hammer drill... Brute strength and ignorance...

Now we're talking!

Will post up results - today's full of another job, thanks all

[Doo]

... masonry bit in a hammer drill... Brute strength and ignorance...

Now we're talking!

Will post up results - today's full of another job, thanks all

If at the end of the day you end up ruining them, don't worry, they aint all that important All they really do is locate and hold the disc/drum in place while the wheel bolts/nuts keep everything tight and tickety boo.

I've seen some right abortions in my time and to save time/money, you just fix the most important bits to keep the car in a safe working mode.

However, if you're anything like me, you'll prefer to do a great job and fix what ails the car... I know, I've spent a fortune on George, my Range Rover. She's older than Gary Glitters boyfriend, but I love her all the more for it.

Good luck fella, and like I said, if at 1st you don't succeed, knock it sideways, break the damn retaining screws and fix the brakes. The screws can be dealt with any time

[Peter.N.]

I usually manage to get them undone with a hammer and pointed punch, get the punch in the edge of the screw head and hit it anti clockwise, don't think its failed yet.

Peter

[RichardW]

It's usually the countersunk head stuck to the disc rather than the thread stuck in the hub - once you have released the head (e.g. by drilling it out) the thread usually winds out by hand.

[1080]

Agree with the Plus Gas, 'though the formula has changed as it smells differently to the stuff I first used in the late seventies?
Also agree with the no harm in leaving them off. More important to ensure perfect mating surface on the hub that the disc fits to. Motor factors will refuse warranty claim - rightly so - if there are any markings on the disc inner mounting surfaces.

[NewcastleFalcon]

Hi Folks

I think the subject line about says it all - very frustrating moment - never had trouble with these (but, not had a lot of experience either). The torx splines have all sheered and I bashed in a hex-key impact bit and then that just made a nice neat little circle in the middle of the screw head when I applied some force...

Does anyone have any little tricks for this particular irritation? I can see myself drilling off the screw heads and then being stuck wondering how to get the screw sans head out of the hub...

Many thanks, Morgan

This is your ultimate solution if all else fails, (to be honest I go for this at the least provocation)

From the toolbag tales thread

Make two cuts through the disc opposite each other with an angle grinder

Put a large screwdriver/cold chisel in the top cut and hit with a hammer...hey presto


Worked yet again for me today

Regards Neil