Brake Fluid cap screw seized.

[dispersion]

Ok so the screw for my brake fluid cap looks like it hasnt been moved in years. Its very rusted, I used wd4 and hasnt budged and the screw itself has no dents for the screw driver to go into (seized - i think its all). So basically, before i drill and try and dig at it, whats my best options? Ive seen irons and chisel, easy-screw removal kits. I have a replacment screws and a cap that goes over the plasitc part of the resevoir. So long as my plastic cap stays in one peice im not to worried about cosmetics.

Cheers

Gareth

[Boothy]

I had this same problem. I ended up drilling the head off and doing it that way.

[Guest Hodgy]

I've had this on my last couple of bikes, it's a real pain. I use a fine drill and, making sure the drill is vertical to the reservoir and screw, drill a hole down through, look at the new screws you have to give you an idea how deep to go, don't go right through the screw. I then use a larger drill to widen the hole, sometimes it will now come out due to the heat the drill has caused, if not carefully use a screw extactor, being very careful not to snap it off inside the hole!

When you put the new screws back in, a very small smear of copper grease on the thread will help stop it stcking again

[dispersion]

Sorry for the noob question, but this involves just using a small drill bit and just drilling right into the screw in reverse (anti-clockwise) right?

Was just looking at some screw removal bits for drills which may seem quite a good option too.

[Guest Hodgy]

No you need to drill the hole in the normal clockwise direction, else the drill won't 'bite' into the metal. once you create the hole, the screw extractors, if needed, screw into the hole anti-clockwise, and as they tighten up in the hole, they should unscrew the screw.

The drills you use to drill in an anti-clockwise direction that are supposed to remove the screw, may be too large a diameter, you'll need to check before using them

[Stu]

drills dont work in reverse!!

but do as hodgy says

[dispersion]

Thank you

Amazining how much anger and annoyance one little screw can cause.

[Guest Hodgy]

Yep you're dead right there

If you go the drilling route, you must make certain the drill is central in the screw and it's vital you drill parallel down through the screw, not through the side of it, or it will be a nightmare to remove.

Good luck

[dispersion]

think i got you!

Cheers

[Tango]

Alternate method:

Soak the screw in Plusgas......carefully cut a slot across the head of the screw with a junior hacksaw.....undo the screw with a flat blade screwdriver........easy peasy.....

[Guest Hodgy]

Alternate method:

Soak the screw in Plusgas......carefully cut a slot across the head of the screw with a junior hacksaw.....undo the screw with a flat blade screwdriver........easy peasy.....

 

On mine, there was no way to get a hacksaw blade in to cut a slot, as the screw was recessed, also the previous owner must of tried to get it out and really chewed the screw top up

But yep, worth a try, alternative to a hacksaw would be a dremel with a cutting disc

[mattycoops43]

The easiest and quickest way is to use a small dremel type drill with a small cutting disc, to make a small slot for a flat head screwdriver. Easy to do and always works. You can make the slot wide enough for a chunky screwdriver if you need to.

Usually end up with a couple of minor marks either side of the screw, nut doesn't cause an issue.

Other option is an impact driver, they tend to loosen the rust as well, and the action of hitting them stops the driver slipping.

[Colin the Bear]

And if all else fails. Replace reservoir.

[mattycoops43]

I am only in Newport, if you fancy trip over, I'll have it out for you! Got me dremel at the ready!

[dispersion]

cheers matty, ill have another go, if I cant do it ill definatly have a pop up, im alwasy going past newport as it is!

Thanks guys

edit: also waiting for a nice dry day (no garage) - pain in the bum

[mattycoops43]

No probs. The offers there, let me know if you get stuck. Pm me in case I don't see this post