26 replies to this topic

[bob540]

I went to take off my rear brake drum today and I stripped one of the screws holding the hub on. I tried using a rubber band, using a flathead driver, tightening a bit first before loosening but I couldn't help but strip it. What's the best approach to get it out?
My instinct is to drill it out but I've never done it before so I'm a bit unsure of how to do it correctly.

[cal844]

Drill it out, use a 5mm drill in the centre of the head of the screw... Just get the head of the screw off

then remove the drum( you may need to back the adjuster off, I then use a hammer too

then finally unscrew the remaining stud

Edited by cal844, 01 October 2017 - 07:17 PM.

[wile e coyote]

The screwhead doesn't look too knackered - if you've got an impact driver give that a go with the aid of a lump hammer....

[Pigeonto]

I get quite a few of these in the mower trade, the screws which hold the bottom blade to the soul plate. I wouldn't drill it just yet. It's quite soft and a decent non rounded-off punch will dig in and make a good nick, sufficient to get enough purchase to punch it round

[bob540]

Don't have an impact driver unfortunately, was actually meant to get one a couple of weeks back but bought something else instead, kicking myself now lol. Will try a punch and if that doesn't work I'll probably try drilling it

[Homersimpson]

If you have a large cross head screwdriver try hiting the it whilst turning, this may loosen it off.  If not then try a punch as suggested above.

[Cooperman]

A sharp centre-punch and a hammer will almost certainly get that screw out.

In fact those screws are totally unnecessary and the wheel studs prevent the drum from coming off when the wheel is fitted.

[bob540]

A sharp centre-punch and a hammer will almost certainly get that screw out.
In fact those screws are totally unnecessary and the wheel studs prevent the drum from coming off when the wheel is fitted.

I read a post of yours on earlier today where you mentioned that these screws are essentially useless and to just put some copper grease in between the drums and the alloys to prevent them binding so that's exactly what I'm going to do when I put everything back together. I'm going to try a punch tomorrow evening after work so hopefully that'll work

[Ethel]

Do you have a Dremel? Another option is to cut a slot.

[Rorf]

Before loosening the other star screws on the other wheels squirt a little bit of WD40 to release the rust.

[bob540]

Update - I've made it worse Went at it with a centre punch this evening but it is just not budging, the head is pretty much mangled at this stage so I think I'll have to drill it unless someone has another idea?

@Ethel I do have a dremel but I think even if I cut a new slot it would probably just strip again. It's as if the screw is made of lead!

@Rorf, thanks for the advice, I think something like plus gas is a better option for penetrating rust though. Wasn't sure if spraying lubricant onto brakes parts was the best idea either?


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[Swift_General]

I think it's at the point where I would just drill it out if it were me. You have the drums with built in spacers so should be left with plenty of thread to work with with the drum off.

[dyshipfakta]

Drill the head off will take 5 mins

[Cooperman]

Before loosening the other star screws on the other wheels squirt a little bit of WD40 to release the rust.

Normal WD40 is not a penetrating oil.

[bob540]

Ok going to try drilling it out tomorrow evening, thought I had steel bits but I can't seem to find them now.