Rotor rivet removal
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,499
Likes: 2,384
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
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2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
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2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Rotor rivet removal
I'm getting ready to replace my original rotors on my 82. What size drill bit works best? Are the rivets the flat circles adjacent to the wheel studs?
Is it best to drill out the fronts with the rotor removed from the spindle?
It's been over 20 years since I worked with C3 rotors. The rotors on a C4, 5, 6 are hub mounted and very simple to replace. Thanks.
Is it best to drill out the fronts with the rotor removed from the spindle?
It's been over 20 years since I worked with C3 rotors. The rotors on a C4, 5, 6 are hub mounted and very simple to replace. Thanks.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 16,499
Likes: 2,384
From: Out Where the Buses Don't Run, Eglin AFB/ Niceville FL
2025 C8 Z06/7/E-Ray of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 Corvette of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Winner - Modified
2020 C7 of the Year Finalist -- Modified
2020 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
I'm aware of run out issues and I am hesitant to change them out. I have a new set of performance rotors and pads that I would like to use. The original rotors are pitted from sitting and would need to come off to get cleaned and turned.
My questions about drill bit size and rivet location still need answers if someone is willing to help me out.
My questions about drill bit size and rivet location still need answers if someone is willing to help me out.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
I believe those are 1/4" diameter rivets and you can remove them by just drilling deep enough to get the heads of the rivets off, then with a 3/16" drift punch you can take a BFH and drive the rivet tails out. If they still won't come out via that method drill down into the rivet tail after the head has been removed about half depth with a 3/16" drill and try knocking it out again with a 5/32" drift punch.That should do it without damaging anything.
Race Director
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
I'm aware of run out issues and I am hesitant to change them out. I have a new set of performance rotors and pads that I would like to use. The original rotors are pitted from sitting and would need to come off to get cleaned and turned.
My questions about drill bit size and rivet location still need answers if someone is willing to help me out.
My questions about drill bit size and rivet location still need answers if someone is willing to help me out.
If the fronts are not running out you can just sand them good,if they are running out you can have a light cut taken without drilling the rivets. Just saying.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 174
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte NC
I did mine a couple of months ago and i wish it was as simple as drilling the heads off and pop out the rivets iwth a punch. I had to drill the rivets almost completely out.
There was a point that i thought the cost of new hubs would have been worth it.
There was a point that i thought the cost of new hubs would have been worth it.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,428
Likes: 5
From: Japan
For someone who doesn't spend their days drilling out and installing rivets it would probably seem like a bit of a challenge, especially with what is basically household equipment like a big clunky Black and Decker electric drill that lacks torque and doesn't run very fast. With steel rivets especially it's best to spray a little WD40 or some other such light oil while drilling and use as much pressure as your drill motor can possibly stand while drilling...even then 1/4" diameter steel rivets are gonna take some grunt to get out.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 32
From: Old Bridge, NJ
Just did this last month. Expect to take 30-60 minutes per side if all goes smoothly. Make sure you use a good High Speed Steel bit (will say HS or HSS on bit). Use WD40 or equivalent lube frequently on bit and rivet.
Try using a relatively slow speed on your drill. Contrary to belief, it will work better. A fast speed will heat up the bit and make it dull pretty quickly.
Center punch the center of the rivet. Use a 3/16" bit as a first pass. This will get you a guide hole. You will need to ultimately drill down about 1/4" deep. Then finish with 1/4" bit.
Try using a relatively slow speed on your drill. Contrary to belief, it will work better. A fast speed will heat up the bit and make it dull pretty quickly.
Center punch the center of the rivet. Use a 3/16" bit as a first pass. This will get you a guide hole. You will need to ultimately drill down about 1/4" deep. Then finish with 1/4" bit.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 602
Likes: 32
From: Old Bridge, NJ
For someone who doesn't spend their days drilling out and installing rivets it would probably seem like a bit of a challenge, ... use as much pressure as your drill motor can possibly stand while drilling...even then 1/4" diameter steel rivets are gonna take some grunt to get out.
