Problem with Derby Cover Screws

[eforman48]

Tried to take off the derby cover on my 2010 Triglide to install the Clutch Wiz. Have Craftsman torx sockets and tried to loosen the screws. They would not loosen! Looks like I might have to use a screw extractor to take them off and use new 1062 screws. Never had problems before with removing the screws in any of my previous Harleys. I wonder if the dealer over torqued them on the last major service? Any ideas or assistance would be greatly appreciated! Thanks in advance!

Regards,

Ed
VA Beach, VA
2010 HD Triglide

[americanbadass]

...I am gunna go out on a limb and give my opionion here....Locktite could be your culprit....I would fire up my propane torch, and hold it on each screw for just a few minutes....it should liquify the LT and make them removeable...thats my story and I am stickin to it!
Disclaimer.....please don't start your trike on fire!

[eforman48]

Thanks for the idea of using the propane torch to melt the Loctite! BTW, I never used Loctite on the derby cover screws on my other Harleys and never had a leakage problem!

Regards,

Ed
VA Beach, VA
2010 HD Triglide

[JJHog]

Why don't you try to use a impact driver with the correct torx bit first. If the torx bit enlarges the hole then go up to the next size torx bit and use the impact driver. Just make sure when using the impact driver that you have it turning the right way on impact. Last thing you want to do is tighten up the bolts.

[msocko3]

Thanks for the idea of using the propane torch to melt the Loctite! BTW, I never used Loctite on the derby cover screws on my other Harleys and never had a leakage problem!

Regards,

Ed
VA Beach, VA
2010 HD Triglide

Once you get them out I would chase the threads in the outer primary and then use anti-seeze before torquing them to spec. I've been doing this for years and have never had one come loose or an leaks from the derby.

[Trent]

Interesting that you should have this problem. Last winter I switched out my derby cover and ran into the same problem...Had to go to Lowes and buy an extractor to remove 2 of them after I stripped 'em out with my unbelievable strength!!

[Lakeman]

I definitely would not use a torch on them, you will discolor the screws and cover! Before you screw the screws up just run to the Harley shop, they will probably not charge you to break them loose.

[eforman48]

Thanks to all you Trike Talk members for the great ideas for removing the derby cover screws!!s

Regards,

Ed
VA Beach, VA
2010 HD Triglide

[Mr.Wizard]

An impact driver works every time if you haven't already stripped out the heads. If you don't have one and can't borrow one then take your Torx bit with an extension and place it in the screw. Smack the crap out of it with a hammer then remove the bolts.

M3 is correct, use anti-seize and new bolts. The problem is the screws are going into a different type of metal, normally a brass insert. When they get wet/hot/cold they corrode due to the different types of metals.

Note: Never try to use a set of Torx bits from a folding utility set. All you're doing is asking for trouble. You can't get a good straight angle and not enough inward pressure to hold the screwhead. I use Snapon bits and just press them out and back in a 1/4" socket. Craftsman isn't Craftsman anymore.

[trikermutha]

Heat gun versus a torch..and a good set of torx bit/sockets

[americanbadass]

Heat gun versus a torch..and a good set of torx bit/sockets

Good thinkin mutha....I have never had a problem with a propane torch....I find it localizes the heat in the exact area and is quick. Have never had a problem with discoloration... but the PT doesn't get as hot as a torch......I will try my heat gun next time I run into this type of situation.

[trikermutha]

Torches and chrome dont mix for me..I have nice heat gun not a hair dryer..But then again the derby cover could use a style..

[JohnC]

What about drilling off the heads of the screws? With the primary cover being made of aluminum, I'd be a little concerned about damaging the threads with an impact driver.

Drilling the heads off the screws will allow you to remove the cover, leaving plenty of the screw shank behind to grab with pliers. And that's only if you need the pliers; you might very well be able to back out the screw shanks by hand.

[Lakeman]

Heat gun sounds good, I have one but have never used it for this. I can tell you it does get HOT!

[Sloufoot]

Heat gun sounds good, I have one but have never used it for this. I can tell you it does get HOT!

Much better than a flame for that job. Also if you have a high wattage soldering iron directly on the head, or heat up a piece of metal or bolt red hot & apply it to the head of the screw & let it get the screw hot. But an impact driver will usually work just fine. Be sure to hold the driver square with the screw, be sure the torx bit has good sharp & square ends. If not file them straight flat on the end, no bevel like on a lot of cheap bits.
If all else they still don't come out then you might have to drill the heads off. But use a small bit & get larger, just enough to cut the head off & not enough to cut on the aluminum.
pepper

[trooper113]

I'd agree with trying an impact driver with a good quality bit of the right size. I've used my impact driver for about 45 years and never had it fail to work.

T113

[slick rick]

,,,Anti seize is the correct way to prevent this from happening again . I used it on the lug nuts of big trucks for years to prevent breaking studs with 1 inch drive air guns . the stuff works great . If it will work in that application it will certainly work on something that small .

[eforman48]

Thanks again to all those members who submitted advice! Finally got the derby cover off and installed Dennis' Clutch Wiz! I did replace the screw with anti-seize!!!!pepper

Regards,

Ed Forman
VA Beach, VA
2010 Triglide

[JJHog]

Hey, you can't leave us hanging like that! What did you do to get the screws backed out?

[eforman48]

Had to use a screw extractor to remove them! Piece of cake!!!

Regards,

Ed Forman
VA Beach, VA
2010 HD Triglide
2003 HD V-Rod