fork drain screw bolt sheared

[MikeM]

how would i go about sorting this, sheared off and bolt is just below being flush ( 1mm ish under being level )

not a big bolt length wise 10mm, I would say 8-9mm in the fork, need some advice to  fix

[AshimotoK0]

Spark Erosion if you can't drill out.

Cheers ... AshD

[LesterPiglet]

It will drill out with a small enough bit.

[ka-ja]

Hi,
   whatever you do strip the unit first, wouldn't be the first time I have had a broken screw turn itself right in when being drilled, the heat from drilling coupled with the turning action of the drillbit---ken

[MikeM]

strip down the fork do you mean, ie get the seals out

does that mean I have to take off virtually front of bike to fix this ?

[LesterPiglet]

Try a left handed drill bit if you can find one.

[MikeM]

cant get my head round this why use a left hand drill bit

ken are you saying if I drill it will purely tighten the bolt and possibly ruin the case of fork?

[LesterPiglet]

A left handed drill bit will try to unscrew the bolt while you drill, obviously you will need to use a reversable drill as well.

[MikeM]

my drill is cheap n cheerful, one way only, I do know the bolt is not seized

pic

[LesterPiglet]

Put a fine drill down it and screw in a self tapper.
Or tap it around with a fine punch.
Hit it with an impact driver with a slotted bit on it.

[Norniron]

http://www.screwfix.com/p/trend-pro-grabit-screw-and-bolt-remover-2-pieces/21391
Try this

[Lobo]

Mike... a huge pain in the arse but I'd be going with Norniron. £15....  versus the pain of stripping... or worse knackering the fork. And you'll have a tool that you can reuse. (these bits are brittle tho'... and can snap, take care)

Any they too need a left hand twist... as mentioned, to avoid screwing the damaged bolt in further.

You say the bolt is not seized.. and for this reason I personally would stay away from any RH (conventional) drilling which would twist it in further...

Whilst you're waiting for delivery soak the thread with a penetrating spray, WD40 etc etc.

[ka-ja]

Hi,
    I recommended to strip the forks for three reasons, the "drain" may be tapped all the way through the fork leg, it is far easier to drill verically down and be accurate as opposed to trying to drill horizontally, also, any contamination can be clean out easily. No need to completely strip, just remove the wheel and offending fork leg---ken

[Lobo]

... ah, understand now Ken, thought you previously meant to literally strip the fork to component parts. "Remove" the  single fork!!

Yup, so much easier, esp if you have a drill press.

[MikeM]

I might try the left handed drill bit first and not go all  the way through, it might pull it out as i am drilling ?

if not i wil take it part again