Removing Break Rotors?

[stefan]

What it the 'right' process/tool for pulling rotors that are stuck on due to corrosion? Application would be MK4/MK5 VWS.

I usually use heat and a hammer but it feels a little barbaric...

[EXP]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Sometimes you have no other choice, As long as your using new rotors I don't see a problem. I would twist a wheel bolt in a couple of threads just to keep the rotor
from flying off and hitting something. spray some (wd-40 or similar) to the hub to try and free the rotor loose. I use a plastic hammer

[kujiwara]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

if its stuck onto the hub then just hit it really hard with a hammer, put a few wheel bolts in though

[Natty54]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Hammer time!!! Works for me all the time. Never used heat

You can also hit it from behind once you remove the caliper

[stefan]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Think I just need to step up my dead blo hammer size. The last car I did was my Mazda and I beat the crap out of that thing for what seemed like ages. I've replaced brakes a lot, and only need minor bludgeoning previously, but this one caused grief. I have my own car and my sister's to do in the near future. Mine will be OK, but I think hers will be tough. Just a hunch as when I last had to take a wheel off her Jetta, I was kicking the crap out of it for a fair bit... was getting worried a jack would fall over!

Anyways, thanks for clarifying. Looks like I'm on the right track.

[Benjamin]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Put anti sieze on the hub before you put the rotor on, save you all these problems. Take a big hammer, hit and rotate, just replace the rotor once off

[stefan]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Put anti sieze on the hub before you put the rotor on, save you all these problems. Take a big hammer, hit and rotate, just replace the rotor once off

Yes, actually, I think I did this on my Passat, now that you mention it!

[stefan]

Re: Removing Break Rotors?

Follow up on this... got a big hammer (and earplugs) and proceeded as recommended. Brakes came off no problem. Thx!