Having trouble w/ front master cylinder cover screws

[Anonymous]

I think it's time to top off the master cylinder for the front brake, and the last owner stippide the screws. I got new ones from B*keBandit and then I ended up stripping the screws beyond all recognition. I don't want to retap the master cylinder and it seems that they're galled in bad. What would you do? Thanks...

[graham harron]

I can think of too posible ways to fix. First if you can use a dremal tppe tool and maybe grintd a notch to fit a small flat blade screwdriver. The other idea is to take it off and drill the top of the screws off and maybed get a grip on them with the cover off. I would pack the master cylinder with a clean rag to keep the crud out once you get he cover off and try to get the rest of the screws out 8O

[Anonymous]

I've come across an interesting method of getting out problem screws. First, make sure you've got a really good screwdriver bit. I love the ones with the little serrations for grip. Then it gets interesting. What I've done is to clamp the part I'm working on in the vise on a Bridgeport mill. Then by chucking the screwdriver bit in the spindle and putting it in neutral, you can pull the spindle down hard while turning the chuck by hand. If it's lined up right and you've got a good bit, this should work. If not, you're probably left with drilling and tapping. Good Luck

[duaneage]

You can find master cylinders for 10-20 dollars on ebay, might be a good choice. I just sold one for 15 bucks to a guy on ebay.

[Anonymous]

Those screws don't require all the torque you can muster. Take it easy on them next time and you won't have these kind of problems.

[Anonymous]

Those screws don't require all the torque you can muster. Take it easy on them next time and you won't have these kind of problems.

Hey Swanny, go easy on him. He does say that it was a previous owner problem and we all know how those go...On my 1100 I have so far discovered that the last guy to work on it thought the valve cover bolts should all have about 100ft-lb on them and the locknuts on the valve adjusters should have about 75ft-lb. I'm not sure what he thought he was saving, but it was brutal getting them out...

Mark

[Anonymous]

getting out the MC screws

i've used a phillips head torque wrench (about 15 dollars) and removed the most wretchedly stripped screws from my master cylinder.

jonah

[chuckycheese]

Me to

I've learned not to over tighten anything.....but it's amazing how many years it took me to learn. ....and every now and then I suffer a relapse.

[DMPLATT]

I had the same problem.

Swanny, IT WAS the previous owner in my case too.

I used my Dremmel and cut a flat in the head of the screw. I ended up cutting into the cover too, but not bad. I cut it good enough to get my best flat tip screwdriver in and with that and a crescent wrench I got them out.

Promptly went to Lowe's and got new screws.

Good Luck.

Yet don't fret, like posted above, cheap enough to replace the whole master cyclinder.

[Motorcyclemodeller]

Rule #1.........when trying to remove PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWS on a motorcycle--------------use an impact driver at the first sign the screw is not co-operating! A quick tap with an impact driver and hammer and its loose.

:twisted: Now to remove the master cylinder cover screws. :twisted:

Use a 3-4 mm drill bit
Drill down the center of the screw
Only go down about 4-5 mm this is the depth of the chamfer on the screw
The screw heads should pop right off with a little digging
Pry off the master cylinder cover
The two screw shafts should turn off by hand, or with a small set of pliers

Good Luck

8) Andre 8)

[Sandy]

Rule #1.........when trying to remove PHILLIPS HEAD SCREWS on a motorcycle--------------use an impact driver at the first sign the screw is not co-operating! A quick tap with an impact driver and hammer and its loose.

:twisted: Now to remove the master cylinder cover screws. :twisted:

Use a 3-4 mm drill bit
Drill down the center of the screw
Only go down about 4-5 mm this is the depth of the chamfer on the screw
The screw heads should pop right off with a little digging
Pry off the master cylinder cover
The two screw shafts should turn off by hand, or with a small set of pliers

Good Luck

8) Andre 8)

This what I usually do to remove bugger screws and have had great success so far. If the hole you drill is clean and deep enough I just use the butt end of the drill bit to snap the head off. That's if it didn't come off while drilling. Just make sure you keep the drill centered and don't go too deep.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for all the responses, I drilled them out like motorcyclemodeler described but I actually had to hammer the cap off. Worked like a charm, thanks again.