Removing Steering Column Clamp Screws

S

SwampLedge

Member
Most of the fasteners on my 28 RPU have been very cooperative, but the screws for the upper steering column support clamp have destroyed several screwdriver tips without budging. I guess my next step is judicious application of heat after ensuring there’s no gas seepage around the bracket to gas tank connection. If that’s fruitless, I’ll go to the drilling option.

Anyone been through this that can offer any tips, suggestions, or other encouragement? I searched the forum and didn’t find anything on this topic.

TIA,
Jerry
 
I had that problem on my 29 YEARS ago and used a spray, I don't remember the brand, not WD, some kind of break-it-loose spray and after a week or so I finally got one loose. Took longer on the next.
 
small impact driver drill with Proper Bit Tip! Open flame by gas tank not for me!!! Better think about that one!!!
 

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Thanks, Ted, for the encouragement. I’m a fan of Kroil, but hadn’t used it on this because of the nature of the joint. It’s “soaking” now.

And Gary, I was serious about my use of the word “judicious”.:) If I use heat, I’ll start with a hot air gun, not the rosebud. But, first, I have reground a tip to fit snugly in the screw slots and will try that after the Kroil has a chance to creep in.

Jerry
 
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Gary WA said:
small impact driver drill with Proper Bit Tip! Open flame by gas tank not for me!!! Better think about that one!!!
Click to expand...

I'm with gary. I would try an Impact Driver with the proper fitting bit. The impact from the driver helps to break loose the fastener while turning it a the same time.

I have broken loose plenty of stuborn screws with my Impact Driver that I could not get out otherwise. Mine is similar to the one in this ad (not mine) https://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-To...=item36434ce6d9:g:--0AAOSw8cNUSnPf:rk:13:pf:0
 
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If it is being suggested to use a hammer hit type impact, my OP, the bracket to gas tank is iffy enough from years of pulling on it to get in. I would go with the penetrating fluid and use something like a 1/4" ratchet pulled evenly till the screw comes loose.

Grinding a bit to fit, good idea. Hot air gun is no different then an open flame, it has a heating element that could ignite any fumes from the tank. Sorta like using a vacuum cleaner to pull gas from the tank! :)
 
if the impact driver does not work, take a hack saw and cut the lower bracket and the head of the screw off from the side. you will end up with about 3/8" of the screw sticking out, then you can use some vise grips on them. if you have good gas in the tank I would not chance heat.
 
Thanks all. Both screws are out. After about 90 minutes of Kroil, my “fitted bit” in my impact wrench at a very low setting for about 30 seconds per screw had each turning!
All this happened at 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
Jerry
 
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