Rounded Axle set screws

[Kanine38]

So, I used medium locktite on my set screws in do they stop backing out and now that I want to run a dig and need to change my driveshafts the set screws rounded and I can't get them out. I used an easy-out on one and was able to get it out but two others aren't budging.

Do I drill them out or is there a better method? I was going to try the Valve Grinding compund trick, but the set screw is too small.

[mnstrbetle]

Could try heating em up a little bit, just dont melt your plastic.

[KC_JoNeS]

I tried many things, and the last thing I had to do was use an angle grinder with a cutting wheel (thin) and grind down the yoke of the drive shaft and set screw until I reached the pinion. Takes about 30 seconds. Just be careful with your first one.

Casey

[C*H*U*D]

Read through this thread. There are some good ideas passed around.

[cwettstain]

Just two nights ago I drilled one out. That is the least destructive way that I have found. Hopefully your driveshafts have holes on the other side of the yoke for a set screw.

[gunnar]

If there is enough meat on the yoke, I usually drill out and increase the size of the set screw to 4mm. And stay away from stainless set screws, even the hardened ones(they are magnetic) Use black oxide.

These are Junfac's, but you get the idea. 3mm top, 4mm bottom:

[CrawlHer]

i did what gunnar did. drilled them out and retapped them with 4mm set scews. problem solved and bigger screw means bigger allen wrench so less chance of rounding them out.

[alexchen86]

Lol next time don't use so much loctite! I found that a little dab (about 2-3 threads) is enough.

I loctite my set screws on my shafts and every time I need to take them off I drown them with Goof Off (spray gel). Then use some cable cutters to hang on to the end of the shaft...grab a hammer and tap on the cutters til the shaft breaks free.

I spray about 2-3 applications per screw and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Goof Off is awesome.

[Kanine38]

Originally Posted by alexchen86

Lol next time don't use so much loctite! I found that a little dab (about 2-3 threads) is enough.

I loctite my set screws on my shafts and every time I need to take them off I drown them with Goof Off (spray gel). Then use some cable cutters to hang on to the end of the shaft...grab a hammer and tap on the cutters til the shaft breaks free.

I spray about 2-3 applications per screw and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. Goof Off is awesome.

I had some loosening for a while so I may have added a bit too much.

Originally Posted by CrawlHer

i did what gunnar did. drilled them out and retapped them with 4mm set scews. problem solved and bigger screw means bigger allen wrench so less chance of rounding them out.

This is what I'm going to have to do.

Originally Posted by gunnar

If there is enough meat on the yoke, I usually drill out and increase the size of the set screw to 4mm. And stay away from stainless set screws, even the hardened ones(they are magnetic) Use black oxide.

Thanks for the info. This is the path that I'm going to take.

These are Junfac's, but you get the idea. 3mm top, 4mm bottom:

Originally Posted by cwettstain

Just two nights ago I drilled one out. That is the least destructive way that I have found. Hopefully your driveshafts have holes on the other side of the yoke for a set screw.

Thanks for the response.

Originally Posted by C*H*U*D

Read through this thread. There are some good ideas passed around.

Thanks

Originally Posted by KC_JoNeS

I tried many things, and the last thing I had to do was use an angle grinder with a cutting wheel (thin) and grind down the yoke of the drive shaft and set screw until I reached the pinion. Takes about 30 seconds. Just be careful with your first one.

I may have to do this if drilling fails.


Casey

Originally Posted by mnstrbetle

Could try heating em up a little bit, just dont melt your plastic.

Thanks guys for the info.

[wurster]

ya there called a bolt out .price is a bunch .Im a mill right and have a set.but your best bet would just be to drill them out and go one size biger with the tap.and set screw.