Broken airbox screw

[teXB12]

I've gone and done it now... I was putting my airbox cover back on the bike and I managed to twist the head off of one of the airbox screws. It's the screw thats closest to the handlebars on the clutch side. It's broken off in the frame and there's no way to get at it with a pick or pliers. Has anyone had this problem? I'm guessing I have to drill it out, but it seems like I might have to remove the handlebars to get at the screw. Any info would be a great help. Thanks in advance.

 

[kab]

Hmmmmm.....try an easy out. I always clean the screws and add a small drop of blue locktight and just slightly tighten.

 

[CoastieRider]

Ha, i had the same problem last year, drilled a small hole in it, then used a brand new snap-on screw extractor to try and get it out, but the piece of Sh#*$t chinese snapon tool broke, and that hardened tool steel, havent been able to get the extractor out, need a diamond drill bit... Good Luck

 

[Stevenc150]

Have you tried using a small drill, on low speed, and "pushing" on through? Be careful not to let the bit get into the threads.

 

[rodimus prime]

All of the screws should be replaced on these bikes. They are all chinese grade mush metal.

 

[garyphantom222]

I have not broken any screws off on my bike yet but I would try to use a small drill bit and see if you can find a good quality extractor,don't feel lonesome about it.I have to rethread one of my back panel screw holes I thought I was going to break the screw getting it out but it just stripped the screw hole and the screw.

 

[teXB12]

Have you tried using a small drill, on low speed, and "pushing" on through? Be careful not to let the bit get into the threads.

I never thought about "pushing" it through, I might have to try that. I had to rethread one of the holes at the rear of the airbox, I should have done this one too. I have an easyout set, but i've never tried it on a screw or bolt this small. Thanks for the ideas guys, i'll give them a try.

 

[netty2424]

Texb12, sounds like you're torquing way too hard to have damaged two of these. As mentioned above, use some loctite and a firm but not hard twist will do the trick. Do you have the vinyl washers?

 

[teXB12]

Texb12, sounds like you're torquing way too hard to have damaged two of these. As mentioned above, use some loctite and a firm but not hard twist will do the trick. Do you have the vinyl washers?

The other airbox screw was already missing. I tried replacing the screw but it wouldn't get started so I had to rethread the hole. The previous owner must have damaged the threads. The broken screw was my fault though, I shouldn't have used that much torque. Sorry I should have clarified. I do have vinyl washers for the screws, I need to get some loctite.

 

[FLHP]

I'm having the same issue, but on the inner airbox to the frame. Mine didn't break on the way in, but out. The other three are a little crappy and really need cleaned out too.

I have the pilot hole drilled, but am having problems getting it out. Trying not to get into the threads, but just may have to tap it for something different.