Rotors stuck on hubs
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: Hoffman Estates IL
Rotors stuck on hubs
After removing the front calipers and caliper brackets, I was unable to remove either of the front rotors on my 2004. Car has 37,000 miles, and I am the 3rd owner. Don't believe it has ever had a brake job. I have encountered countersunk flat head screws on my Honda, but did not see any such screws holding these rotors. Tapped on the backside of rotor with block of wood and hammer, with no luck. Am I missing something? Do I dare spray some WD40 on the back side where the rotor mates with the hub? Thanks for any tips.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 21,325
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From: small town in S.E Pa. PA
St. Jude Donor '03-'04
After removing the front calipers and caliper brackets, I was unable to remove either of the front rotors on my 2004. Car has 37,000 miles, and I am the 3rd owner. Don't believe it has ever had a brake job. I have encountered countersunk flat head screws on my Honda, but did not see any such screws holding these rotors. Tapped on the backside of rotor with block of wood and hammer, with no luck. Am I missing something? Do I dare spray some WD40 on the back side where the rotor mates with the hub? Thanks for any tips.
I borrowed this from Member Dee Gee Note lock washer at the 1 o'clock position. A drop or two of rust blaster or an equivalent between the hub and the rotor will also help.
Last edited by Evil-Twin; Jul 6, 2014 at 11:56 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 919
Likes: 7
From: Aurora CO
Next time, or if you want to put car back together try this. Slightly loosen the lug nuts on each side, then, in a safe spot where you can apply the brakes, put your car in gear and apply the brakes several times, in forward and reverse. Your rotors wll then be broken loose.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,479
Likes: 36
I've run into this dozens of times. I've discovered that the best and easiest way to remove stuck on rotors is with an air impact hammer. Using the round chisel, you just hit it around the center hub and the studs. The rotor usually falls off by itself.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: Hoffman Estates IL
Look closely at each stud, make sure the assembly lock washer has been removed. Also as mention rust can cause the rotor to stick, a heavy bronze or brass hammer will shock the rust.
I borrowed this from Member Dee Gee Note lock washer at the 1 o'clock position. A drop or two of rust blaster or an equivalent between the hub and the rotor will also help.
I borrowed this from Member Dee Gee Note lock washer at the 1 o'clock position. A drop or two of rust blaster or an equivalent between the hub and the rotor will also help.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 36
Likes: 4
From: Hoffman Estates IL
The factory uses thin sheet metal clips to retain the rotor to the hub during the trip down the assembly line. If they are still in place take them off. Otherwise it is just rust between the hub and rotor. Some penetrating oil will take care of that. I use a product called Kroil. Brake cleaner will remove any that gets where you don't want it.
Alternatively a 3lb hammer used as the previous posters suggest will break them free.
Alternatively a 3lb hammer used as the previous posters suggest will break them free.
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The penetrating oil along with some taps from a hammer should break the rotors loose. Good luck.
