Removing Stuck Rotor?

Maintenance advice to keep your Spider in shape.
Post Reply
Pete112

Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by Pete112 »

Hi,

Does anyone have any advice on removing a stuck rotor? This front right one is the first I pulled from the car so I imagine I'll have a similar experience with the others. I did take the hub off and tried the obvious - put it on a block of wood and hammered the crap out of it. Didn't budge at all. I even tried jumping on it :D 200lbs of no help. And yes, I also soaked it in penetrate.

I did notice that there are 2 flat areas of the hub that look like you can slip a tool into. Is there such thing as a rotor puller? Would it help?
mbouse

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by mbouse »

did you remove the two pointed locating pins?
Pete112

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by Pete112 »

Yes, I got them out - quite a challenge too! Good question though, I should have mentioned that.
mbouse

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by mbouse »

working from memory here...
locating studs are out
lug bolts are out
brake caliper is off
brake caliper bracket is off

forgive the lapse... nothing else in the way?

whap on that rotor a good one with the 10# maul, and safety glasses! please don't forget the safety glasses. the rotor has not been off for a long time and is rusted in place.

and since it has been that long, i am betting the spindle bearings are dry and need replacing as well.
Pete112

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by Pete112 »

You are correct, all that stuff is off. I even compared the rotor to the new one just to make sure I wasn't missing something about how it goes together.

Weird thing is, bearings are actually in perfect shape as are the rubber seals. Packed full of grease and all. Just seems like the rotors haven't been removed for an externity.

I just thought of a good idea - maybe I'll try a bench vise. I'm just not sure if mine opens wide enough to fit everything. But any other suggestions would still be great!
User avatar
manoa matt
Posts: 3442
Joined: Thu Oct 26, 2006 4:28 pm
Your car is a: 1978 Fiat 124 Spider 1800
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by manoa matt »

Try a large three jaw bearing puller, or a larger hammer.
ventura ace

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by ventura ace »

Try putting some PB Blaster or other rust penetrating oil, so it will seep between the rotor and hub (at all 4 mounting holes and the 2 spacer retainer holes. Hit on it from the back side with a big rubber mallet while rotating the rotor. Take another large steel hammer and bang it sideways (out near the outer surface) while rotating the rotor). What you are trying to do is break loose the rust that has developed between the inside of the rotor and the hub.

A
racydave

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by racydave »

I have a very noisy air hammer that I love to use noiseley. If not, and it is off the car, can you put the studs on the floor and hit the back of the rotor? Maybe a heavy brass hammer?
Pete112

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by Pete112 »

I love the recommendations here... to sum it up, get a bigger hammer and hit it harder! I'll again try when I have a chance this week. I was going to soak it in penetrating oil but there's really no way to soak it without soaking the inside of the hub where the bearings go. So I don't want to contamidate that area.
So Cal Mark

Re: Removing Stuck Rotor?

Post by So Cal Mark »

rust of that intensity would indicate that the bearings haven't been packed in a LONG time. I'd suggest you remove them, clean and repack them.
Post Reply