Rotor allen bolt seized!!

D

David-H

Senior member
 Prees, Shropshire
Changing rotors, calipers, brackets, discs on the front from 'standard' to 325mm Brembo grooved rotors with E46 330i callipers / brackets and RedStuff pads. Murphy's law, RHS went like a dream but first job on LHS - undo rotor allen bolt - and disaster strikes as not only was it already slightly rounded but also totally seized.
Just put the wheel back on for now whilst I ponder how to proceed from here:
a) take it to my local garage and get them to finish it;
b) drill it out and find out what size tap I need to re-cut the thread (anyone know?) or
c) drill out the centre and try an easy-out to get it to come out complete.
Main aim is to get it out without damaging the rotor which is a 300mm plain vented Brembo unit and could be a useful upgrade for someone with a 2.0i or a 2.5i
The new discs did come with new allen bolts, so replacing the duff one won't be a problem!
Any advice?
 
Drill the head off the bolt

Remove the disc

Will have some of the bolt visible....unwind with grips.

Don't drill the thread out, giving yourself more problems you don't need.

You don't actually need the little bolt anyway, its just there to make putting the wheels on easier, it serves no real purpose from a stopping point of view.
 
It should unscrew if you use an impact screwdriver,just give it a good hit with a decent size hamer
The shock should free it up.
 
I had exactly the same thing happen to me on an E46 a few years ago.

I used a tool which I cannot remember the name of at the moment. . . the process was as follows though:

I drilled a small hole (cannot remember the dia) a few mm into the centre of the allen bolt. Into this I threaded the tool which basically bites into the hole and is left hand threaded so it digs in and in, deeper and deeper until eventually it stops and the allen turns and unscrews. :thumbsup:

The tool is made of hard metal, is slightly tapered where you insert it into the knackered screw, is around 150mm long and has a hex end on it so you can turn it with a socket / spanner once it bites an build the anticlockwise force.
 
Use a easy out bit. Should be able to get one from DIY or auto shop. Or maybe easier to take it to a garage,depends on your hands on experience.
 
:thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Steve_R1979 said:
Drill the head off the bolt

Remove the disc

Will have some of the bolt visible....unwind with grips.

Don't drill the thread out, giving yourself more problems you don't need.

You don't actually need the little bolt anyway, its just there to make putting the wheels on easier, it serves no real purpose from a stopping point of view.[

:thumbsup:....agree on this method
Click to expand...
 
Thanks for the suggestions guys - will have another go at it tin the next day or two. :)
 
Steve_R1979 said:
Dunno WHY people are going on about easyouts, that takes ages, just follow my method, will take 10mins at the most.
Click to expand...

I guess that as with most problems, there are a number of possible solutions.

The OP originally asked for advice and IMO if he has a few DIFFERENT solutions, he is the better for it and can make his own mind up.
 
I had the same issue, messed about drilling and all of that, didn't work.

Got a set of extrators from halfords and was out within minutes.

http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_storeId_10001_catalogId_10151_productId_216735_langId_-1_categoryId_165572
 
I opted for drilling out the middle of the bolt with a 6mm drill and then using an easy-out (set from local hardware store £3.50) which worked a treat.

New rotor, caliper, bracket & pads now fitted.

Brembo-discs.jpg
 
Nice one.

I remember it is very satisfying when you eventually manage get the old allen out and the job can progress again.
 
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