[Z06] rotors removal
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 243
Likes: 0
From: Surprise Az
rotors removal
I just traded my 98 conv for a 2003 Z06 with 35,000 miles 
I tried to replace the rear rotors with new ones but could not removed them. I replaced the rotors on my 98 with no problems, but I can't remove these rotors, help please
I was able to remove the calipers but the rotors will not come off. I was thinking mabe the emercy brake was holding it on???
I tried to replace the rear rotors with new ones but could not removed them. I replaced the rotors on my 98 with no problems, but I can't remove these rotors, help please I was able to remove the calipers but the rotors will not come off. I was thinking mabe the emercy brake was holding it on???
Last edited by 98 corvette; Aug 23, 2006 at 08:30 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,732
Likes: 1
From: www.Z16.org Western NY
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 5
From: Jupiter FL
Yes, your emergency brake is probably holding them on. Once the caliper bracket is removed (you did remove the bracket, didn't you?), look behind the rotor. You will see the cable for the emergency brake. There is a ring that fits over a tab that sets the emergency brake. Pry that ring off carefully and it will release any tension on the emergency brakes and you can then pull the rotors off.
I went through the same thing on my '03 Z when I changed the rear rotors. Took a minute and a question from a friend who was helping me ("Is the emergency brake set?") to figure that out. I had also made the mistake of setting the emergency brake in the cockpit when I parked the car, so the combination of releasing the brake handle and undoing the cable freed up the rotors. You still have to wiggle them off a bit.
Have fun.
p.s. If the rears have never been changed, there is an OEM lock ring on one or two of the studs. You might have to work those off also before pulling the rotors. If you don't have replacements for those lock rings, don't worry. You don't need them. The wheel will hold the rotors in place.
I went through the same thing on my '03 Z when I changed the rear rotors. Took a minute and a question from a friend who was helping me ("Is the emergency brake set?") to figure that out. I had also made the mistake of setting the emergency brake in the cockpit when I parked the car, so the combination of releasing the brake handle and undoing the cable freed up the rotors. You still have to wiggle them off a bit.
Have fun.
p.s. If the rears have never been changed, there is an OEM lock ring on one or two of the studs. You might have to work those off also before pulling the rotors. If you don't have replacements for those lock rings, don't worry. You don't need them. The wheel will hold the rotors in place.
Last edited by FasterIsBetter; Aug 23, 2006 at 09:30 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,895
Likes: 84
From: Darien IL
One of my rears was difficult to get off. It had nothing to do with the emergency brake. The large hole that pilots on the hub was a tight fit and rusted. Liquid Wrench siting for an hour or so and a 3 lb. hammer tapping on it finally got it off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,205
Likes: 5
From: Jupiter FL
Originally Posted by UstaB-GS549
One of my rears was difficult to get off. It had nothing to do with the emergency brake. The large hole that pilots on the hub was a tight fit and rusted. Liquid Wrench siting for an hour or so and a 3 lb. hammer tapping on it finally got it off.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 6,692
Likes: 56
From: Troutman, NC
I replace my rear rotors on my car every 4 to 6 weeks and have found a trick that makes removing them very easy.
First take the caliper and caliper backet off. Make sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is off. Then get a socket large enough to fit over the axle nut (I use a 1-3/8", but I think it's a 33mm nut). Turn the nut in a counter clockwise direction and the rotor screws right off. If you do it this way, the rotor doesn't get caught on the parking brake shoe.
First take the caliper and caliper backet off. Make sure the car is in neutral and the parking brake is off. Then get a socket large enough to fit over the axle nut (I use a 1-3/8", but I think it's a 33mm nut). Turn the nut in a counter clockwise direction and the rotor screws right off. If you do it this way, the rotor doesn't get caught on the parking brake shoe.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,036
Likes: 9,798
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
One other thing to think about is the where the car was driven before you purchased it. The design of the parking brake can leave a residue of dirt and corrosion between the parking brake shoes and the edge of the parking brake drum. After a while this dirt can get quite thick and you will have great difficulty in pulling the rotor off. I just replaced the rotors on my 2003 Tahoe and ran into this problem. The solution was a sledge hammer and about an hour's worth of banging to free each rotor. The upside is it is a good way to get some very good aerobic exercise.
Bill
Bill
