rear brakes cylinders- getting them off!

1. Railroader Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx

   #1 2nd March 2010, 15:18

   I tried to remove a rear brake cylinder. It has allen screws, but they were siezed like flip. The allen key wouldnt budge it and the allen socket just turned round and chewed the screw up.
   
   Im thinking of filing the screw heads into oblongs and getting some mole grips on to them, although one is particularly difficult to get at. I dont have any oxy equipment. Have any members encountered this problem?
2. Stevo123 Established Member Joined: Apr 2009 Redcar Posts: 1971 2000 Posi Blue vtr

   #2 2nd March 2010, 20:44

   Yes, it's an awkward job because access is quite tight.
   
   I like your idea of filing them into flats but I think the mole grips would likely spin as well mate. Is it possible to drill the heads off with something like an 8mm drill perhaps?
3. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #3 2nd March 2010, 20:48

   I'd try and cut a slot in them and use a screwdriver bit.
   
   OR buy a set like these - are worth their weight in gold !!
   
   http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IRWIN-TOOLS-5p...item439d5e4e8b
   
   As you try and loosen the bolt, then bite further into the head of the bolt and undo it
4. user_36198 Saxperience Post Whore Joined: Aug 2009 ilkeston derbyshire Posts: 9823 C2 VTR stripped, 406hdi, clio 172

   #4 2nd March 2010, 20:57

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by raunchz I'd try and cut a slot in them and use a screwdriver bit. OR buy a set like these - are worth their weight in gold !! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IRWIN-TOOLS-5p...item439d5e4e8b As you try and loosen the bolt, then bite further into the head of the bolt and undo it

   i've got a set of these for getting locking wheel nuts off when the key has gone missing, they are a godsend!!!
5. Railroader Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx

   #5 2nd March 2010, 21:24

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by raunchz I'd try and cut a slot in them and use a screwdriver bit. OR buy a set like these - are worth their weight in gold !! http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/IRWIN-TOOLS-5p...item439d5e4e8b As you try and loosen the bolt, then bite further into the head of the bolt and undo it

   But they are for nuts n bolts, not for allen screws.
6. Railroader Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx

   #6 2nd March 2010, 21:25

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Stevo123 Yes, it's an awkward job because access is quite tight. I like your idea of filing them into flats but I think the mole grips would likely spin as well mate. Is it possible to drill the heads off with something like an 8mm drill perhaps?

   Id have to drill from the outside in and try and center the drill, its a possibility
7. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #7 2nd March 2010, 21:35

   Quote:

   Originally Posted by Railroader But they are for nuts n bolts, not for allen screws.

   they will do allen bolts too - as the ones on the back of the cylinders have an exposed head.
   
   The sockets just bites into anything - aslong as the bolt has a head or something sticking out that the socket can bite into it'll undo them.
   
   I've undone allen bolts before using these - undid a gearbox bolt so easily once it rounded.
8. Railroader Established Member Joined: Dec 2009 Bolton Posts: 1068 Saxo 1.4i sx

   #8 2nd March 2010, 21:47

   Ok I will try em. But isnt Citroen thick for using allen screws there? It should use 11 or 12mm bolt heads
9. raunchz Saxperience Addict Joined: Jul 2005 Solihull / Bournemouth Posts: 14233 2015 Lapiz Blue Golf R

   #9 2nd March 2010, 22:01

   Urm, hard to say tbh -they shouldn't be hugely tight, but I suppose they are open to the road elements so ripe to round/rust.
   
   Could replace them with a pair of 10mm bolts with spring washers? They are only like 10-15mm long iirc