Pulling rear rotors
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Pulling rear rotors
OK, here's the deal. Friday I got my rear tire patched (I just took the wheel in) and got it back without a scratch on it. 
Since the rear was already raised and one wheel was already off, I figured it would be a good time to give the rust treatment to the rear rotors. I had already done the fronts with great results.
So I make sure the parking brake is off, pull off the caliper and it's bracket, and unhook the parking brake cable. The rotor will not budge, and yes I had already removed the clips that hold it in place. I check the service manual and there isn't anything else to do. It says that if it won't come off to use the special removal tool, which is just a slide hammer, with an attachment that grabs the rotor from inside a cooling vane.
So I stuck a 6mm allen key into some of the vanes, which fit quite nicely, and went to town on it with a hammer. It wouldn't budge. I put some of the rust removal solution on a towel, and wiped it around the part where the rotor meets the hub. I got some rust off, but that didn't help.
Has this happened to anybody? Any suggestions? I was so frustrated with the stupid rotor! I ended up putting everything back together so I could wash the car while it was still light out. It really needed it after driving through the rain last weekend.
Since the rear was already raised and one wheel was already off, I figured it would be a good time to give the rust treatment to the rear rotors. I had already done the fronts with great results.So I make sure the parking brake is off, pull off the caliper and it's bracket, and unhook the parking brake cable. The rotor will not budge, and yes I had already removed the clips that hold it in place. I check the service manual and there isn't anything else to do. It says that if it won't come off to use the special removal tool, which is just a slide hammer, with an attachment that grabs the rotor from inside a cooling vane.
So I stuck a 6mm allen key into some of the vanes, which fit quite nicely, and went to town on it with a hammer. It wouldn't budge. I put some of the rust removal solution on a towel, and wiped it around the part where the rotor meets the hub. I got some rust off, but that didn't help.
Has this happened to anybody? Any suggestions? I was so frustrated with the stupid rotor! I ended up putting everything back together so I could wash the car while it was still light out. It really needed it after driving through the rain last weekend.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 3,867
Likes: 307
From: Wantagh,L.I. New York
Have you tried tapping the rotor with a hammer. Seems its bonded to the spindle or something else. Reminds me of the old drums that had to be pounded before they would release. I'm going to change to Z51 rotors. Please let me know how you make out. Once the clips are removed they should come off easily, I guess not! PM me if you can.
Al
Al
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,566
Likes: 2
From: Goleta CA
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I did try hitting between the lug studs, but I went in a circle instead of going across. I'll try that pattern along with some penetrating oil and a bit more force. I want to try it when I get home, but it has been raining, and if it rained enough, then my garage door gets too heavy and won't stay open. 
