Can't change brake pads because of worn screw...

[Maz]

Hello

I tried to change the brake pads today, but the 'grub screw' is seized and the hex has become rounded.

Can anyone suggest how to remove it? Thanks.

 

[alecstilleyedye]

according to one lbs, the trick is to remove the grub screw straight after purchase (but don't do that on a fixed wheel bike).

unless you don't know one end of a brake block from the other, it isn't necessary.

ime you have to get new pad holders, but you might be able to drill the offending screw out.

 

[ianrauk]

Happened to me. I used a pair of grips to undo the screw. There is just enough protruding to get a grip.

 

[Gerry Attrick]

You could try cutting a slot across the head with a small hacksaw. You could then use a flat bladed screwdriver to remove it.

 

[Maz]

Happened to me. I used a pair of grips to undo the screw. There is just enough protruding to get a grip.

Did you buy a replacement screw or did you leave it out?
If you bought one, where from? LBS?

Might give GerryAttrick's suggestion a go - sounds eminently practical.

 

[ianrauk]

if i remember rightly a screw came with the new inserts... pretty sure of it

 

[the_mikey]

Remove the wheel and use a pair of mole grips on the screw, or like mentioned above, cut a slot in the screw and use a screwdriver. Last resort, drill it out, but by doing this you will need to replace the whole thing after, not just the inserts!

 

[Maz]

Hm. Tried GerryA's method and thought I was on to a winner. Nice neat grooves with a hacksaw, tried to turn it with a flat-head screwdriver but it still won't budge.

Could I be able to get to it from the brake side? i.e. pull out the old brake pad then do something to the exposed screw thread?

 

[ufkacbln]

if you leave it out, don,t use the brakes going backwards or the pad will slide out!

 

[Gerry Attrick]

If cutting a slot didn't work, I would bite the bullet and buy some new pads and holders. It will be the usual problem of galvanic corrosion, i.e. steel screws in aluminium holders - anti-seize=so**ing unremovable screw. If you get new ones, use Coppaslip on the screw before you fit them to the bike. Keeps blood pressure low too.

 

[Landslide]

according to one lbs, the trick is to remove the grub screw straight after purchase (but don't do that on a fixed wheel bike).

Why the fixed-wheel specificity?

 

[Zoiders]

Just drill the head off with a HSS bit, it will take seconds, it shouldn't damage the whole cartridge holder at all if you are careful.

Remove the whole pad first of course and lock it in a work mate if you have one, although you can do it free hand on a table if you are good enough.

 

[Maz]

If cutting a slot didn't work, I would bite the bullet and buy some new pads and holders. It will be the usual problem of galvanic corrosion, i.e. steel screws in aluminium holders - anti-seize=so**ing unremovable screw. If you get new ones, use Coppaslip on the screw before you fit them to the bike. Keeps blood pressure low too.

I may have to go down that route and buy a new pair.
These look similar to ones I have already and look decent priced.
http://www.wiggle.co...d-brake-blocks/
Thanks for your help.

 

[Maz]

Just drill the head off with a HSS bit, it will take seconds, it shouldn't damage the whole cartridge holder at all if you are careful.

Remove the whole pad first of course and lock it in a work mate if you have one, although you can do it free hand on a table if you are good enough.

Hi, What's an HSS bit?

 

[Zoiders]

Hi, What's an HSS bit?

High Speed Steel drill bit.

Go slightly larger than the allen key size and you should able to separate the head cleanly.