How to replace rotors

wagslick · July 2, 2004

Anyone have any tips for me? I've got a 99 silverado z71. I tried taking the rotors off to get turned today. The problem i've run into is i cant get the caliper bolts to budge. Is there something i'm missing or i oughta know? I got a wrench on the thing and even tried standing on it. Its still not enough torque to make it move. Its the exact same for both bolts on both of the front wheels. Anyone have any advice? This is supposed to be a rather simple job isnt it?

snoman · July 2, 2004

Put you a box end wrench on the bolts (or over the allen key if it is allen head) and smack it with a hammer and the shock and vibration from it should break it loose. Put a touch of grease on the threads (enough to wet it) when you reinstall it.

asepgrad98 · July 2, 2004

use a 6 point socket and long racthet

kdm101 · July 3, 2004

use a 6 point socket and long racthet

Yup, that's the best way. I have a 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar just for this sort of thing. Nothing beats leverage (aka torque). Some people might cringe at the thought of shelling out $30-40 just for a single breaker bar, but if it shortens the time and effort it takes to do the job, isn't it worth it?

Just for good measure, you can spray some penetrating oil into the bolts and let it soak in for a while.

budhayes3 · July 3, 2004

If I remember correctly, it's a T55 Torx...and definitely use a breaker bar. Make sure the Torx bit is as deep into the fastener as it can go, or it'll strip in heartbeat. Spraying it down with rust penetrant and the night before is always a good idea too.

snoman · July 3, 2004

Smacking the head of it once or twice sharply can break it loose to sometimes if it is rusted some. Torx 55 sounds about right now that I think of it, it used to be a 3/8 allen head.

SteveCZ · July 3, 2004

Yup, its the Torx 55... I had to make a separate trip to Advance Auto after I got the brakes, cuz I had a Torx 60 and a Torx 50... but no 55... Doh!!!!!

Supurban · July 3, 2004

Yup, that's the best way. I have a 24" 1/2" drive breaker bar just for this sort of thing. Nothing beats leverage (aka torque). Some people might cringe at the thought of shelling out $30-40 just for a single breaker bar, but if it shortens the time and effort it takes to do the job, isn't it worth it?

You MUST get a breaker bar. Not only for this, but for suspension and exhaust projects. The last thing you need is to skin your knuckles on a dirty undercarriage when your ratchet either slips or breaks loose.