Brake rotor seized on hub!

Handling, suspension, and brake tuning discussions
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Jeremy_K
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:17 am

Brake rotor seized on hub!

Post by Jeremy_K »

I've done many brake jobs but I have never seen a rotor seized to the hub this bad. My car was rattling real bad from the old warped rotors on it so I bought the new ones today. Low and behold, I can't get the old rotors off! I broke 2 large 3-jaw pullers into pieces. They just shattered. What the heck can I do now that the damn car is stranded in my garage on jackstands? There's some rust around where the rotor rides on the hub but it's not a whole lot. Anyone else have this issue? I haven't even got to the other side yet. The idiot that owned the car before me had the lug nuts on way too tight which doesn't help.
2003 AWD Salsa Vibe
keithvibe
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Re: Brake rotor seized on hub! (Jeremy_K)

Post by keithvibe »

and a 2lb sledge hammer.. I could possibly come up to help ya if you can't get it sorted out on Sunday. If ya need an hand PM me your info so i can program my tom tom.. and to answer your question.. yes it's a common problem.
2010 Vibe & member of the yeargarage Email me if you need to talk to me, click my siggy and send the email threw the contact page.
nygiantzz1
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Joined: Mon May 15, 2006 8:32 am

Re: Brake rotor seized on hub! (Jeremy_K)

Post by nygiantzz1 »

I replaced my rotors last month because of noise coming from rust buildup on the outer edges. I had the same problem with the rotor on the passenger side. I sprayed liquid wrench around the hub a few times and then beat it out with a hammer. It took several attempts before it broke free. I was as frustrated as you are but I got it off. When you try to hammer it off, stop after a few whacks, put the car in nuetral, rotate the rotor a few inches, put it back in park and hit it again. It will come off.
Jeremy_K
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Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:17 am

Post by Jeremy_K »

Yeah, I've been marinating it in PB blaster overnight. I'm going to acquire a BFH from work today and maybe pick up a torch tomorrow since mine isn't working. I can't work on it today. I'll try it first thing tomorrow (sun) and I'll look you up if I have problems. Thanks for the offer!
2003 AWD Salsa Vibe
keithvibe
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Re: (Jeremy_K)

Post by keithvibe »

DON'T use a torch if you have used PT blaster.... it will catch on fire... your best bet is a BFH. No problem... Always willing to lend a hand.
2010 Vibe & member of the yeargarage Email me if you need to talk to me, click my siggy and send the email threw the contact page.
Sublimewind
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Post by Sublimewind »

Do your rotors have the little hole you can thread a bolt into?? Some do, some don't but IIRC you need a simple 1/4-20 bolt, thread it in, apply some force to the bolt and wack the rotor a few, tighten some more and repete... doesn't take a lot..
Jeremy_K
Posts: 43
Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:17 am

Re: (Sublimewind)

Post by Jeremy_K »

I got them broke loose today. I ran a wire wheel around where the rotor rides on the hub and used a 2lb sledge. A couple whacks and it was off. The other side came of a little easier. After that it took me all of 15 minutes to have all the new stuff on. These rotors nor the new ones don't have the threaded holes. I know what you mean though. I've used those holes on other vehicles. I took it for a ride to break in the new pads and rotors. Everything is working great now. Thanks for the help guys. I shoulda known to have a BFH on hand at all times!
2003 AWD Salsa Vibe
ehoff121
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Re: Brake rotor seized on hub! (Jeremy_K)

Post by ehoff121 »

What rotors did you buy as replacements? OEM? Other?Did you replace the pads, too?Let us know how you like the ride now...Thanks!
2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD - Platinum
keithvibe
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Re: (Jeremy_K)

Post by keithvibe »

glad ya got it worked out... cuz i honestly don't know if i would have had the energy to help ya after my weekend of powerwashing my deck and then staining it... 18'x18'
2010 Vibe & member of the yeargarage Email me if you need to talk to me, click my siggy and send the email threw the contact page.
Jeremy_K
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Joined: Mon Jul 07, 2008 11:17 am

Re: Brake rotor seized on hub! (ehoff121)

Post by Jeremy_K »

I just got some cheap replacement rotors with some bendix ceramic pads. I don't need to go too crazy with performance brakes since I drive mostly highway. They're working excellent so far. I have no complaints at all about my new ride!
2003 AWD Salsa Vibe
Sublimewind
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Joined: Thu May 24, 2007 4:44 am

Re: Brake rotor seized on hub! (Jeremy_K)

Post by Sublimewind »

New rotors can always be drilled and tapped...
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