How to remove factory front rotors

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CharlyG

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Thanks to the folks at Orange Coast Auto, my new to me 2012 got new pads and rotors. It had been done by them before they put it up for sale.
 

rjdelp7

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Spray the hub opening hole on the rotor with PB blaster. Keep turning and let it penetrate. A couple light blows with a 2lb hammer should work. Use BRAKE CLEAN, when the job is done, no matter what method is used.
 

Trainmaster

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I've beaten on a first generation's front rotors for 45 minutes with a 15 lb sledge to no avail. Heated with an acetylene torch, sprayed with Kroil and beaten them. Then I got an 7 foot 1" steel pipe and beat them from the other side using the hammer on the pipe. That worked. Three hours to remove two rotors.
 
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sjwelds

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I've beaten on a first generation's front rotors for 45 minutes with a 150 lb sledge to no avail. Heated with an acetylene torch, sprayed with Kroil and beaten them. Then I got an 7 foot 1" steel pipe and beat them from the other side using the hammer on the pipe. That worked. Three hours to remove two rotors.
That's a nice big sledge.
 

tdappleman

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Maybe, but it doesn't matter if you are changing "the caliper slide" as well.

When i had exhausted all my tricks to get the rotors off I came across the bolt method. The first thing i did was go buy some caliper brackets.(the caliper slide)

There is no chance I use this bolt method and not replace the caliper brackets. I thought that was a gimmy smh

All I know is For all the trouble of trying to bust those rotors off and nothing but a days work and a back ache to show for it, $20 for brackets was well worth it. I would have paid triple just to get them rotors off.

Maybe it is a 'gimmy' - but the OP doesn't say he replaced the bracket and he didn't recommended it after using the method. If a sledge combined with penetrating oil doesn't work then no way is the bracket going to be strong enough to force the rotor off without causing damage.
 

Brons2

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I don't understand the aversion to using PB Blaster or other penetrant. Why would it contaminate the new rotors or pads if you were careful to wash it all off, and wash your hands/put on a fresh set of gloves?

I guess this method would be fine if you didn't care if your caliper bracket got bent, e.g., you were putting on a new one.

I'm about to do this job, so we'll see.
 
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