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MG MGF Technical - Fan Belt screw thread blunder

Okay, so I've been a fool!

My car has been giving a whistle (from the fan belt) when it is started.. On a wet day, that whistle is quite embarrassingly long.. :-0

Anyway, went to change the fan belt, and, to get to it you need to remove a cover under the right-back wheel arch.
As I went to undo the over-tight top torx screw, I managed to strip the screw head to a perfect circle..

Now what'd'I do?

I could drill it, but I don't know what's behind.. AND where do I get the replacement screw from.., I don't know what size it is..

help..

N Hillier

could you get a stud remover around the screw?
Otherwise drill and use a screw remover (a tapered shaft with a reverse thread on it, so as you do it up it undoes the screw)
Will Munns

Thanks, do you know what's on the other side of the panel though..
I am a bit worried about drilling it out and then realising I have drilled the thread out of my alternator.. or something like that..
N Hillier

You don't have to go thru the bolt to get a screw remover in, just enough to get it to grip.
Will Munns

Thanks, I'll give it a go.
N Hillier

Ah, the old mild-steel self-tapper into the aluminium brace bar story, eh?

Yup - appalling bit of design this - but the screw that you've rounded the head on is made of steel, whilst the frame it is screwed into is alloy - so a potent mixture for electrolytic corrosion :o(

Try grinding a slot into the head if Will's suggestion doesn't work - or failing that, drill the blighter out.

Good luck!
Rob Bell

Thanks chaps..
Don't suppose anyone kows what the bugger is though.. ?
Once I get the bolt out, I need to replace it.. and be back on the road..

What do I need to buy?
N Hillier

MGR will suppliy the screw (everything has a part number) for small change.
Will Munns

But will the screw still fit if you drill out the old one? A new screw would be handy to see what size drill to use unless Will or Rob can remember what they used.
JohnP - Herts

Unfortunately I don't John - and nor do I have access to the EPC to look it up... :o(

However, your local MGR parts department should be able to help...
Rob Bell

This thread was discussed on 04/06/2003

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