I just knew I should never have started this!!

So..as part of my quest for better braking decided to:

1. Change the pads for stickier ones....and while I'm there I might as well.....
2. Paint the callers...and while I'm there I might as well....
3. Upgrade the hoses to stainless braided..and while I'm there I might as well.....
4. Replace all the brake fluid..and while I'm there I might as well....
5. Replace the guide plates on the callipers coz they are rusty (and the link tube..and the bleed screws...etc etc...!)..and thereby hangs a tale..
See the b***ard soft headed allen key screw below...(not this one obviously.. I just borrowed the piccy from Touchtone on .org) well the head is soft...and the 4mm allen key is v hard...and someone has Loctited the b****r in there...so the keyway is now well and truly rounded.

I'm sure this isn't an unusual occurence so my immediate thought is to drill into the screw (it's an M6) using a left hand 4mm cobalt bit..and hope this extracts it..and if not then attempt to use an extractor..

Anyone have any better ideas?...or any good experiences with extractors?..I've never managed to use them without snapping them off..aaaarrgghh!

REALLY REALLY don't want to buy new callipers..!!

mmm could you try make a groove with a dermal and use a flat head screw driver or heat it up use some grips if u can get them in tack a nut to it use a socket to undo it ?????

Space looks a bit tight, but smacking a torx bit in with a hammer sometimes works with rounded off Allen heads. Usually knackers the torx bit though.

If it's not too rounded you could try a slightly larger imperial hex key.

Finally, you could try tapping the head round with a sharp centre punch to get it moving.

I've never managed to use an extractor without snapping it either... :dry:

I managed to undo three of them using a centre punch to drive them round and out. The other I had to drill. All but two came out using an easy-out the other two need to be drilled then the remained out wing a 6mm tap. I have a bag of new S/S domed cap head screws that were bought for this to fit the new wear plates..

Is the bolt stainless or mild steel?

Weld a nut to the top of it.. Then undo with a socket.. And fit a new bolt

If its aluminium that's more of a challenge

Diesel Destroyer wrote: Is the bolt stainless or mild steel?

Weld a nut to the top of it.. Then undo with a socket.. And fit a new bolt

It's mild cheese Allan...would have been better being stainless..less opportunity to be deformed by the Allen key...I've ordered the stainless replacements...

Not a lot of room to weld a nut but...it may come to that...just got to get some suitable nuts and find a welder...

I normally find a nut which will sit over the top and then puddle weld (weld inside of nut)

Whilst it's still hot that's when I take the spanner to it..

But agree space/access is the main issue

Good luck heir Bartlet..

Progress report..so far..

1 Caliper disassembled...

1 unscrewed with the regulation Allen key - wahay!! :woohoo:
2 unscrewed using the "smacking aTorx bit into it" method - thanks John :woohoo:

1 unscrewed using the centre punch method - thanks Plezier :woohoo:


One calliper to go...fingers crossed...

BTW looks like they have been refurbed before judging by the scratched id marks on the inside and the red thread coating cemented on the screws...wish they had used blue.. :yesnod:

Fatbaldingoldgit wrote: Progress report..so far..

1 Caliper disassembled...

1 unscrewed with the regulation Allen key - wahay!! :woohoo:
2 unscrewed using the "smacking aTorx bit into it" method - thanks John :woohoo:
1 unscrewed using the centre punch method - thanks Plezier :woohoo:

One calliper to go...fingers crossed...

BTW looks like they have been refurbed before judging by the scratched id marks on the inside and the red thread coating cemented on the screws...wish they had used blue.. :yesnod:

All's well then. :broon:

Glad to have helped a bit. :hugs:

and the 2nd calliper's screws all came out using a 4mm Allen key in a 3/8" drive...just bashed it in with an 'ammer and a quick tweak and they screwed right out..easy peasy..phew!!

Thanks chaps....not as difficult as it could have been..learned some new techniques too!

:woohoo: :woohoo: :woohoo: