Well, as I was installing my newly aquired AF1 I had a little SNAFU. When attaching the MAF into the AF1 one of the provided screws broke. I was tightening it down (and it wasn't like i was cranking it THAT hard) so the MAF was seated nicely, and the head of the screw sheared off. So now I've got 1 good screw holding the MAF in place, and one screw still threaded, but without its head.

Everything seems to run fine for now, but I don't want to be on a road trip when it finally does create a problem....

So..... anyone know how to remove an itty bitty broken screw?



PS sorry the picture quality sucks, had to use my phone camera.

 

Your going to have to take your time and be careful, but you can get it out.
Rermove the MAF and if you look at the side that the screw broke off in you will see that there is a brass seat (threaded insert) that the screw goes into.
If you push on it from the back side you can actually push this insert out as it is held into the plastic by its knurled surface. Once out then you can drill a very small hole into the screw and use an easy-out to remove it. Once you have done this, you can reinsert the seat with a little superglue and use a new screw..You definately NEED to repair this issue.....Good luck

 

Thanks for the quick reply Marc, one question though....

How do I remove the MAF if I can't back the screw out? Will it just slide off when I take off the good screw?

 

It should just slide off. You might be able to use a pair of vise grips and remove the part that is sticking out. It looks like there might be enough there to get clamped onto and just back it out.

 

Maybe not.....

 

By the looks of the pic, you might have enough of the broken screw sticking out to get vise grips on. If not, the easy-out route is not that hard. Good luck and keep us posted

 

The screw head broke off more or less flush so I don't think I'll be able to get a grip on anything... I'll swing home at lunchtime and see what i can do.....

Where can I pick up an Easy Out, home depot?

 

What about if there is a little bit sticking out the other side of the bushing. You might be able to get the vise grips onto it and pull it out the other side....Just remember which way is out. If you can get a grip on it, try rocking it back and forth before trying to taking it out all the way.

 

You can get one at Sears, or just about any hardware store. You should either grind or file the surface flat in order to center punch your starting poit before you drill.

 

I just though of another idea. Just call the people at AF1 and have them send you a new brass bushing??? Most places will do that with no charge. Heck, they might just send you a new tube with screws...

 

I'll call AF1 just to see what they say... other members have said they can't find a number for AF1 though, anyone know it off hand?

 

Well i removed the good screw and was unable to remove the MAF, the broken screw seems to be doing a fairly good job of holding the senor in place. I just put the good screw back in and will hit up home depot, sears, whatever this weekend, get a screw remover and mess with it this weekend....

Still, any advice is welcome!

 

Maybe GENTLY prying with a little screw driver under the side of the broken screw. Just try to rock it, twist it , Gently apply pressure....If the head is clearly broken off, there might be a little burr keeping it from just falling off. Try again, you might have to tug a little bit, but by the picture it should come off...

 

Man, what a PITA that was!!! That was one hard screw! After breaking a 1/16th and a 5/32nd drill bit I finally said 'fudge it' and went at it with 1/8 bit and managed to drill out 90% of the screw. With some dumb luck the easy-out caught the last little bit of the screw and I was able to get it out with probably 80-90% of the threads intact.

It was just enough to allow me to use the OEM screws and get everything back in place.

WHEW!!! I'll admit, there were a few moments where I thought I had messed up bad and would end up having to re-order a new 3.25" AF1 tube.

Everything worked out and all is right with the world once more

-NCSU