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Rotor rivets

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Old Sep 8, 2009 | 03:30 PM
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Default Rotor rivets

Hey guys

I'm trying to get my rotors off my hubs. I've drilled the heads off the rivets and then chiseled the rest so it's flat. However I still can't get the rivets out. Any tips? Also, do any of you replace the rivets with new bolts when the new rotors are installed? Or do you just let the lignite hold everything together? Thanks
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Old Sep 8, 2009 | 03:40 PM
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Just use a punch to drive the rest of the rivets out.
No you don't have to replace them. PG.
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Old Sep 8, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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Default rotor replacement

You might want to check the runout with a micrometer after you install the new rotors. Originally, the rotor was turned riveted on the hub. So if you replace the rotor, even though the new rotor is perfectly true to its center, you can still have runout once you lug nut it onto the old hub.

If you have excessive runout (>.004 to .005), you can shim between the rotor and hub which is what I did. Just do a search here for details. Or you get someone to turn the new rotor on the old hub (more trouble I think).

Good luck.
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 02:17 PM
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Thanks for the runout check. I will do that.


I've been beating and beating on these rivets, and they won't budge. I drilled the backside heads with a 5/16" bit then chiseled the rest of the heads off. I've been using a 1/4" punch and have beat it with a dead blow hammer, a regular hammer, and a small sledge. They won't move. I've sprayed them with PB blaster as well. I guess 38 year old rotors don't want to come off. Any more tips on this? This is ridiculous.
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 03:07 PM
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Keep drilling the stem of the rotor or get air tools and use an air chisel with a pointed bit.
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 03:10 PM
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Originally Posted by Fubba
Thanks for the runout check. I will do that.


I've been beating and beating on these rivets, and they won't budge. I drilled the backside heads with a 5/16" bit then chiseled the rest of the heads off. I've been using a 1/4" punch and have beat it with a dead blow hammer, a regular hammer, and a small sledge. They won't move. I've sprayed them with PB blaster as well. I guess 38 year old rotors don't want to come off. Any more tips on this? This is ridiculous.
HEAT...........heat is your friend.......

Rotors are junk anyway. Put a wet cloth over the T.A. to absorb the heat transfer..........heat and pound away.

Worked for me....may not be everyones "cup o tea"......but whatever.

rubbersidedown
Dodosmike
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 05:23 PM
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I used a pneumatic chisel with the pointed chisel. Punched them right out, didn't cause any damage and reduced the swearing. It was the easiest part of my front end rebuild.
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 05:54 PM
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Very simple to get them out with a drill press and oversized bit to cover the complete stud..Once the head is cut down to the hub, use a good sized drift and drive them out......
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 06:46 PM
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A punch and a Big Fucing hammer. I just did this myself a couple weeks ago.
I ended up drilling all the way through the rivets and using a punch to drive out the rest of the metal. good luck! Its a pain.
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Old Sep 10, 2009 | 10:29 PM
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Originally Posted by Van Steel
Keep drilling the stem of the rotor or get air tools and use an air chisel with a pointed bit.
Great advice. Got them all done today by drilling some more and punching them out.
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Old Sep 11, 2009 | 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by Fubba
Great advice. Got them all done today by drilling some more and punching them out.
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