Removal of Brake Rotor from Hub (corrosion)?

Thread view:

Enable EMail Alerts

Start New Thread

Thread rating:

Bob - 25 Apr 2004 13:07 GMT

Any ideas? My wife's '98 Mitsubishi Galant ES requires front rotor
replacement and I've been unable to remove the rotor from the hub due
to corrosion. (yes, I remembered to remove the locking lug-nut :-)

Unfortunately, the bolt holes in the rotor used to press it off lack
threads.

Have tried:
- Carpenter's hammer to apply some shock to surface of rotor where
bonded to hub, and also light taps on wooden block placed on inner
braking surface of rotor
- Large C-clamp from rear of rotor through holes in rotor (with a
small socket), but couldn't get straight pressure to pull rotor from
hub
- PB Blaster chemical (though seems pointless given large bonded
surface area)

Is the next step a sledge hammer (is that safe?), or is there
something else I might try?

Thanks,
Bob Levy
boblevy@rcn.com

Reply to this Message

Stewart DIBBS - 25 Apr 2004 13:33 GMT

> Is the next step a sledge hammer

Yes...

Stewart DIBBS

Reply to this Message

G. R. Woodring - 27 Apr 2004 02:09 GMT

>>Is the next step a sledge hammer
>
> Yes...
>
> Stewart DIBBS

If you have access to an air supply, you can use an air hammer (Use a bit with a
flat face). Spray PB Blaster around the studs and into those stripped holes
then run the hammer bit around the studs. Rotor should fall loose in at most a
few minutes of this.

Good luck

Signature

G. R. Woodring

Reply to this Message

Nobody U. Know - 25 Apr 2004 14:39 GMT

Look for one or two little screw holes on the rotor at the hub. Put the
correct size bolt in there and crank it it. It is there for just that
situation....or just use a sledgehammer. When you put the new rotors on,
coat the inner hub with antisieze.

Signature

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Benjamin Franklin

Thank you for the Patriot Act you cowards.

> Any ideas? My wife's '98 Mitsubishi Galant ES requires front rotor
> replacement and I've been unable to remove the rotor from the hub due
[quoted text clipped - 19 lines]
> Bob Levy
> boblevy@rcn.com

Reply to this Message

Bob - 25 Apr 2004 18:44 GMT

Thanks for the tips but unfortunately the bolt holes in the rotor used
to press it off lack threads. Any other ideas?

Thanks,
Bob

> Look for one or two little screw holes on the rotor at the hub. Put the
> correct size bolt in there and crank it it. It is there for just that
[quoted text clipped - 24 lines]
> > Bob Levy
> > boblevy@rcn.com

Reply to this Message

Nobody U. Know - 26 Apr 2004 03:08 GMT

Well they should have threads, but you can get a massive pitch bolt and
still do it. To be honest, I'm surprised you are having this much trouble.
Just hit the thing on alternate sides with a hammer. There is no way you
have that much rust, even on a women's car.

Signature

"Those who would give up essential Liberty, to purchase a little
temporary Safety, deserve neither Liberty nor Safety."

Benjamin Franklin

Thank you for the Patriot Act you cowards.

> Thanks for the tips but unfortunately the bolt holes in the rotor used
> to press it off lack threads. Any other ideas?

Reply to this Message

Brad - 26 Apr 2004 06:24 GMT

> Any ideas? My wife's '98 Mitsubishi Galant ES requires front rotor
> replacement and I've been unable to remove the rotor from the hub due
> to corrosion. (yes, I remembered to remove the locking lug-nut :-)

At the worst, get a dremel (not the cordless one) from Home Depot or
similar for about $40 and use the standard cutting wheels to cut a nice
groove into the rotor and then split it in half with a hammer. My
dremel paid for itself the very first time I used it, on a wheel
bearing. Nothing else would even scratch the surface. The local NAPA
guys were amazed that *anything* could cut the wheel bearing.

Reply to this Message