Stripped door stay screw
12-30-2016, 05:35 PM
#1
8th Gear
Thread Starter
Stripped door stay screw
89 S4 auto
So I was going to replace the infamous creaking door stay. Purchased one from 928 Intl (thanks guys) and set to work. Everything was going well, although it is interesting the things you find that was done by the PO when you start taking things apart... Anyway I digress, everything was smooth until the last screw...boom the bottom stay screw, inside the door was stripped. As you guys know there's not a lot of room in there. No room for a drill for a screw extractor, no room for dremel tool to slot the screw, no room for vise grips, even tried to wedge an old socket just to get it started...no luck. Looks like my only option is to remove the door to get some room. My question is...looks pretty straight forward removing the screws, but was wondering if anyone has any tips before I do this. Specifically is the door difficult to get lined back up, etc. thanks in advance...Love this site!
So I was going to replace the infamous creaking door stay. Purchased one from 928 Intl (thanks guys) and set to work. Everything was going well, although it is interesting the things you find that was done by the PO when you start taking things apart... Anyway I digress, everything was smooth until the last screw...boom the bottom stay screw, inside the door was stripped. As you guys know there's not a lot of room in there. No room for a drill for a screw extractor, no room for dremel tool to slot the screw, no room for vise grips, even tried to wedge an old socket just to get it started...no luck. Looks like my only option is to remove the door to get some room. My question is...looks pretty straight forward removing the screws, but was wondering if anyone has any tips before I do this. Specifically is the door difficult to get lined back up, etc. thanks in advance...Love this site!
12-30-2016, 05:51 PM
#2
Rennlist Member
What you need is a cheese head extractor - It goes on the outside of the head. Should be enough room to do that.
12-30-2016, 06:07 PM
#3
Team Owner
I would suggest to put the other screw back into the door stay.
Then remove the pin bolt from the anchor,
push the center bar strap into the door, use a block of wood to push it.
The strap will fall into the door.
Then take a dremel with a cut off wheel and cut off the protruding bolt head,
have a helper holding the door open as far as possible without causing it to nick the leading edge of the door
Then remove the pin bolt from the anchor,
push the center bar strap into the door, use a block of wood to push it.
The strap will fall into the door.
Then take a dremel with a cut off wheel and cut off the protruding bolt head,
have a helper holding the door open as far as possible without causing it to nick the leading edge of the door
12-30-2016, 06:20 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
Or, 90 degree drill and drill the head off. I know my Milwaukee right angle drill can get in there.
01-01-2017, 10:48 PM
#5
8th Gear
Thread Starter
Thanks for all the quick responses! Well I had forgotten I was given some cheesehead extractors as a gift. Put the extractor over the bolt, a socket over the extractor. Not a lot of room but enough to bite and loosen the screw. New door stay installed, with new screws...ahhh quiet. Sometimes a fresh perspective makes all the difference. Only problem now is the simple door stay replacement has turned into a WYIT list, but I do love this car!!! Thanks again.