Accent 2001 - Brakes + Wheel Screw Cap?

I have a 2001 Accent(51,000 miles).

There is a scraping sound in the rear, right wheel only when i brake.
It is only this wheel and occured right after i tried to vigorously
back out of a snowbank in Brooklyn. So when trying to inspect to
determine if a piece of dirt/debris is on the disc or if the pads are
worn, i came upon the trouble of removing the wheel screw (a brass
phillips-head screw holding a wheel cap covering the disc). The screw
is incredibly soft (it's stripping easily) yet near impossible to get
out. i tried screwdrivers and sockets.

My questions are:
- what is the best method for removing this screw without completely
stripping it?

- if i do strip it , how do i remove the screw ultimately (without
going to a shop if i dont have to)? vice grips? drill it out?

- how do i find the best replacement screw?

- the braking/decellerating is seemingly unaffected (doesnt jerk nor
pull to the side, etc). what do you think the odds are that i have
debris in there and not a worn pad? If a worn pad, is it wise to
replace the pads on either side of the car at the same time?

Thanks to anyone who can address any of the above.

- Steve R.

 

I wish my 2001 Accent had disc rear brakes. I've only ever heard of
drum brakes on the rear.
The trick for removing any screw that has been fastened by asians is
to use an impact driver, or at the very least the correct sized
screwdriver, which in this case is likely a #3 phillips head instead
of the more common #2.
Looks like you'll have to drill it out now.
Be a good idea to check the suspension control arms in case you've
bent them.

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I was working on my '00 Accent brakes yesterday. 82,995 miles and I
had to change the front pads for the first time. I hope the Bendix
pads purchased from Advance Auto Parts last as long.

Checked the rear shoes. It took two whacks on the impact driver and
the drum screw was turning freely. They look like they are good for
another 10-20K miles.