Disc brakes pads little screw stuck (and damaged)

pep.fermi
pep.fermi Posts: 383
edited March 24 in Workshop

I wanted to remove my disc brake pads, to inspect and maybe replace. Ultegra. Done this zillions of times before already.

But this time around, the little screw holding the pads, was stuck. I tried to loosen it, first with Isopropanol, later with heat. Didn't work, still stuck

In the process, I even ended up damaging its head.

How the heck do I now remove it? Next time I put it I'll make sure I grease the thread, but got to remove it first.

I will take the bike to the LBS tomorrow, expect the guy will drill through, can't see what else one could do.

Beside, why a screw at all, and not a threadless pin, bent. Like indeed my Deore XT on a different bike. I serviced my Deore brake pads zillions of times, never an issue. Never a tiny screw got stuck (the isn't any!!).

Thanks

Comments

  • mrb123
    mrb123 Posts: 4,787

    I had this same problem. The screw was absolutely terrible, properly made of cheese. I pretty much destroyed the head of it in various attempts to get it out.

    My LBS got it out no problem, I'm assuming by drilling it out. They were clearly extremely familiar with the issue. They replaced it with a split pin.

  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383

    Thanks a lot

  • Charlie_Croker
    Charlie_Croker Posts: 1,727

    The ones holding my pads inline are allen-screws much better idea. Having said that however at the other end the bolt holding the lever in place is a philips headed screw! Can't fathom it. It has to be the only non-allen headed screw on the bike.

  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21057336#Comment_21057336

    Indeed I have hex sockets for the little screws of my MTB, xtr brakes.

    Speaking here about my road bike, slot screws. Hex would be better, torx even better, and split pins perhaps best.

  • super_davo
    super_davo Posts: 1,205
    https://forum.bikeradar.com/discussion/comment/21057348#Comment_21057348

    The latest gen have hex heads on road too. They are called Pad Axles if you want to source a replacement - plenty on the bay in all manner of fancy colours.

  • veronese68
    veronese68 Posts: 27,692

    To remove it try a pair of small mole grips to grip the middle and turn it. They'd have to be good quality ones to get a tight enough grip in such a small space.

    Kinesis Pro6
    Marin Nail Trail
    Cotic Solaris
  • trevor.hall12
    trevor.hall12 Posts: 470

    I use a dremmel to cut the pin so you can remove the pads ,then grab with needle nose pliers to grab it .

    Also had plenty I drilled out .

    Start with a 3mm tgen go upto a 4 ,by then the heat will free it up and it will literally fall out

    The mistake people make is screwing them in tight ,back it off a turn after it stops to stop this happening ,that said the hex heads are the way to go

  • pep.fermi
    pep.fermi Posts: 383

    Thanks everyone, much appreciated

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