I'm in the process of replacing my rotors and pads DIY-style. Everything was going well, until I ran into 2 issues...

1) I'm unable to tap the rotors off the hub. I'm not sure whether they're rusted on or what. The dust shield does an excellent job of keeping me away from any striking points except 1 cutaway area. Do I just keep hammering on this thing until it gives? Any tips?

2) I'm unable to remove the top torque bolt from both front calipers - where they bolt up to the steering knuckle. The bottom ones came right off, but I don't have the leverage to get the tops to free-up. I sprayed a little bit of "Screw Loosener" onto those and hope it'll penetrate soon. Do I just keep hammering on this thing until it gives? Any tips?

 

Liquid Wrench Is What I Use But Tapping It Does Help

 

Hummm, I had to bump my rotors off after you get the caliper out of the way. Maybe 2 bolts holding the shield.

I had the same problem, couldn't get the front bolt out of either of the front calipers, I just pushed/pulled the caliber up in the direction of the bumper. Actually worked pretty good. Was easier than trying to bust the bolt free, because it just wouldn't.

 

Thanks very much to you both. Here's what I ended up doing...

1) sprayed the rotors with a penetrating screwlube, let sit overnight, and hammered...I mean POUNDED away with a mallet. A few hard whacks and the rotors free'd.

2) sprayed the torque bold with penetrating screwlube, let sit overnight and tried again the next morning - no dice and now the bolt was getting stripped. So, I bought a 22mm socket and a 250llb torque wrench. I hammered the socket onto the bolt and with the wrench and a bit of effort, got the bolt off. I cannot believe how tightly that thing was frozen.

I'll need to replace that bolt, as well as its counterpart on the other side - they were both darn-near impossible to get off.

In any case, I'm out of the woods and greatly appreciate the help!

 

You do have to hit the rotors decently hard to free them up.

Glad you got it figured out.

 

Does the same method work for the rear rotors? Or are they bolted on?

 

The same method works - just bang on them with a rubber mallet and they'll free up.

 

I just did my brakes this weekend and I learned a few things when working on those pesky front torque bolts.

1. Driver side -- I used a second jack and push up on my 22mm box wrench...couple of pumps on the jack and they're loose!

2. Other thing I learned is TURN THE WHEEL! I was having difficulty getting leaverage on the bolts and then I realized that turning the wheel would help! I was able then to get a battery power impact gun on the bolts and bam...they're loose.

Hope this helps future DIY'ers.

Paul