HELP! Sheared off s***w head?

Question

Can anyone help me please? Was proceeding to change the discs on my car and as i went to remove the s***w that holds the disc together, i accidentally sheared off it's head. Is there any way for me to remove the s***w? I've tried drilling it, but the bit snapped. Tried using something called "easy-out" and that didn't work either. Want to get this sorted and preferably not take it to a specialist. Thanks

Answer 1

Get a carbide drill bit, some oil to squirt on the broken s***w as you drill it (to cool the bit off) and take your time.  If you used an easy-out and it snapped you're kind of screwed, as they are hardened and very difficult to drill out.

Once you get the center of the s***w drilled out, spray on lots of PB Blaster or Kroll penetrating oil and let it sit, then use your easy-out or reverse drill bit (or switch to a larger size carbide bit until the rest of the sheared s***w starts to come apart).

Answer 2

You may discover that the screws holding the rotor to the hub are only there to aid in assembly at the factory and aren't needed anyway.

Answer 3

that's easy! buy a "Tungsten carbide" drill bit, it will drill through the s***w because it's hardened, once you've drilled it, try soaking the thread with "WD40" or "Duck oil", if the easy out still doesn't remove it, get a blow torch and heat it up, use the easy out while the metal is still hot, because it should soften the metal, break the seal where it is seized, and the heat will expand the metal anyway.  

Answer 4

if its just a disc locating s***w FORGET ABOUT IT...

or do as i do,just smap the head off by forcing the disk off,most likely it will turn out with some plyers,if not just leave it....all it really does is hold the disk in place whilst locating the wheel stud holes...once the wheel is on and tightend the whell holds the disc in place the s***w is then not needed.

Answer 5

It's not important; the wheel nuts hold the disc and the wheel to the hub. Forget about it and move on.

If your really keen drill and tap a new hole 180 degrees round from the original; it's a common fix in engineering.

Answer 6

Cobalt drill bit or, if you can afford it, a left-handed drill bit.  They do exist, but they are expensive.  You need to drill at least 10mm into the s***w in order to give the easy-out a chance to grip.

Answer 7

Most disc locating screws chew up or shear any way?Once the disc is off grind/file the s***w flush with the drive flange and fit your new disc etc, the wheel holds the brake disc in place when its re assembled and the s***w is not really a critical part.Hope this helps

Answer 8

As previously stated - If it is the locating s***w for the disc it is a nugatory item, not required, surplus; the disc is held in place by the wheel securing bolts/nuts.

A point to note if you are going to purchase a Tungsten Carbide Drill Bit you may get better performance if you use the drill dry, i.e. without coolant as the hotter these bits get the better they cut.  

If you have got all the tool steel out of the ever increasing hole there is however no requirement to use TC a bog standard, sharp HSS bit will suffice as long as you let the drill bit do the work and select the right drill speed.  

Dont worry about knacking your discs they are cheap enough to replace.

Answer 9

Just get a better quality drill bit, it will drill out, then you can remove the stub of the s***w with mole grips after the disc is removed.

Answer 10

Is there is a bit you can grab with plies  

Answer 11

You could tap it round with a small chisel. These bolts only hold the disc as a "third hand" and once the calliper and wheel are replaced it serves no purpose. Its the wheel nuts that keep everything in place.

Answer 12

If the drill snapped you are using the wrong drill. Use the right drill and drill it out.

Answer 13

As the other guys have said, it's nothing to worry about. Just use a decent size HS drill bit and drill the s***w through the head. It should break or snap or something but just take your time over it. Once the s***w (or screws) is out, replace the discs with what you have and if need be get someone to help (although you can do it yourself) hold the new disc in place. Good luck and anymore help, just contact me via email.

Answer 14

Is there any likelihood that it is a left hand thread?

i.e. clockwise to unscrew.