Please help. I have a 1996 Tiger which needs the clutch and brake fluids replaced but I cannot undo the crosshead screws as they are stupidly tight. I have bent a screwdriver and succesfully chewed up one of the screwheads. How can I undo these?
Thanks
Get an impact wrench. THe ones you can put a phillips tip into and then smack with a hammer.
Be gentle, yet firm.
I just replaced my clutch and brake fluid ... for the first time since 1969 I had 2 reservoir screws that wuld not break loose.
If impact tool does not work ( it did not on mine ) You must drill them out.
I ended up drilling them out.... if you do... use a bit tslightly larger than the threads and drill down to where the stem begins, simply lift your cap . There will be about 1/4" of the stems that are exposed and with a pair of pliers unthread the stems.
I now have the same issue on ONE brake caliper pin.... It is an SOB! I will have to drill out..... will use a LEFT twist bit and hope it breaks free in the process. If not ... drill enough to pick out the threads with a pick tool!
NOTE: You should have anti-seize in your tool box for those bolts that are susceptible to grit, moisture, and heat. A great combination for new vocbulary, loss of hair, and how to word my 'FOR SALE' ad!
Thanks for the suggestions. Looks like I need to buy an impact driver and hope it works. Drilling out the screws has to be a last resort.
Dingo
Try something like this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... eName=WDVW (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=303&item=4374191428&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)
You could also drill small hole and put in the reverse tap with tap and die set , then use a bolt in your newly created thread to remove the damaged stud.
Drilling out is no problem....just use a bit LARGER than the shaft of the screw and just go down to the depth of the countersink on the screwhead.
Then... lift the cap and you will see 2 shafts you can unscrew with a needlenose pliers.
tigertrax sounds like he's talking from experience!
do not forget the anti-seize on the new screws!
Success with an impact driver. Thanks everyone for your help!