GT3 MK1 rear spoiler - removing worn screw

[paulburrell]

The last time I tried to adjust the rear spoiler on my MK1 GT3, I noticed that one of the four screwheads was worn and so the allen key socket would not fit properly and the screw will not turn. I have bought some replacement screwa but I need to remove the offending screw before replacing it. Drilling out looks nigh on impossible due to space constraints. Was thinking of using plastic metal to fill in the hole and whilst still wet, putting the allen key in until the plastic metal has set. Hopefully then I can turn the allen key and the screw as well.

Anyone got any opinions, alternative suggestions, or maybe overcome this problem yourself???

[340ragtop]

one of the easiet ways is to use a torx bit (the star shaped ones) which is a little oversize for the hole and force it in. That might be difficult given the fact you don't want to be smacking it with a hammer etc in that location.

I was lucky - mine came straight out and I replaced them with stainless steel with a large coating of coppaslip.

The other way it to use a very small cutting disc / grinding tool (eh dremmel) to cut a slot in it for a flathead screwdriver.

cheers

[spenny_b]

Wouldn't try drilling a cap-head, the heads are hardened....try "massaging" in a stubby flatblade screwdriver across the widest part of the hex....the screwdrivers I've got have a hex profile just under where the handle starts so you can get a spanner on it for leverage, (which is sometimes handy) or get a pair of molegrips on the screwdriver shaft; you may muller the screwdriver, but....

....alternatively, the Dremmel idea above has got me out of trouble on more than one occasion!!...just be careful not to knacker the bodywork adjacent.

[Porsche Boxster]

an easier way would be to get reverse thread screw/drill tool that has an anti clockwise thread...you drill a small pilot hole and screw the screw in anti clockwise the thread bites an in turn the offending screw comes out cos the more you tighten the tool the more pressure it puts on the the offender,,,i used these when i was in the RAF to get screws out hope this helps

[340ragtop]

I know the tool you mean, but I've never had one work.

Drilling a small hardened cap screw like that is virtually impossible IMHO.

The other thing to do is saturate it in penetrating oil for at least 24 hours of course.

cheers

[rumplestiltskin]

I remember a DIY tip for removing stubborn screws, not sure if it would work here.
After you have cut a slot in it, soaked it in WD40, forced in a screwdriver or whatever & are ready to try & turn the screw - you heat up the screw with a soldering iron.
I think this expands the screw & the surrounding then as it cools its a little loser.

Can't hurt to try, holding a soldering iron onto the screw wont do any damage to anything around it I wouldn't think, but thats your call.

Failing everything thats been said here, take it to an OPC, any damage they do removing the screw they will have to rectify !

R.

[paulburrell]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I will try them all until it's sither out or destroyed. Failing that then I will take it to an OPC and let them sort it out.

[richardb.jones]

Just a thought - How about trying an imperial sized allen key - you may find it now fits snug in your worn metric screw head ?

[silver993tt]

I think if you damage the heads by trying to remove the bolts yourself and then take it to OPC, they will not be liable to damage around the area of the screws. They'll tell you this or even make you sign a disclaimer.

[spenny_b]

just had another thought (and another quick look at the wing on my car)...rather than a stubby screwdriver (which would need grinding narrower to get in the hex)....how about a flatblade screwdriver hex-bit, like the ones you get free in "101-piece multitool sets", the use a 6/7/8mm 1/4"-drive socket and ratchet/t-bar to turn it. Lot shallower and more leverage.

Just an idea.
S