How to Remove a Stuck Brake Rotor

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Last Updated on July 16, 2021

A brake rotor is a circular disk that is remains connected with each wheel of the vehicle. The responsibility of a brake rotor is to turn the kinetic energy into thermal energy. In another word, when you are driving a car and you use brake pedals, the brake pads create friction on the large surface of the rotor and gradually your car loses its’ speed.

Thus, the brake rotor slows down the speed of your vehicle and shift the energy into heat and the car stops. If the brake rotor fails to do its job then the driver might face a horrible situation ahead. That is the reason that the Brake rotors should be kept under regular maintenance.

However, it may happen that your vehicle’s brake rotor gets stuck. In this case, you don’t have any option except to remove it. That’s why it is recommended to know how to remove a stuck brake rotor

In this article, I will be talking about the methods that will talk about how you can remove your vehicle’s stuck brake rotor.

In general, there are three methods following which you can remove your vehicle’s stuck brake rotor. I will talk about each method. You may go for anyone that makes you feel comfortable and easy.

Inspect the condition of your stuck brake rotor:

At the very first, you will have to check the condition of your stuck brake rotor. You may face many scenarios when you need to remove your brake rotor for maintenance issues such as exchanging, repairing, you may find your brake rotor got stuck.

Because the rust and continuous erosion can help the rotor to weld itself with the wheel hub. It becomes tough to remove the rotor in this condition. The methods given below are some of the techniques to make the procedure easier.

Methods to Remove a Stuck Brake Rotor

Rotor Puller Method

In this method firstly, you will have to use a generous amount of penetrative lubricant which will easier the procedure. After applying lubricant, you will have to wait a bit. When the lubricant is soaked, then you have to jump into the next phase of this method.

Secondly, you have to attach the three-arm rotor puller with the hub and the back of the rotor. Then, you have to create pressure by gradually tightening the bolt of the arm puller. The pressure will pull the rotor from the rusted surface.

If you find the rotor welded itself with the hub due to rust, then there is a possibility that the rotor will come apart in pieces as a large amount of force was applied to it. Once you will remove the rotor, then you should use the sandpaper on its’ surface.

Rubber Mallet Method

In the second method, at first, you have to use a generous amount of penetrative lubricant on the rotor and the wheel hub. After it is confirmed that the lubricant is soaked perfectly, you have to apply the next step. Pretty much similar to the above-mentioned method.

Now, you will have to take a large rubber mallet and hit the rotor from both sides (rear side and front side). The amount of force given by the rubber mallet should be enough to remove the stock rotor. After applying force a few times, the brake rotor is supposed to come out easily. Once the brake rotor will be removed, then it should be polished with sandpaper.

Acetylene Torch Method

The last method in my list, Well, the starting procedure is the same again. Again, you have to use a generous amount of penetrative lubricant and lubricate the hub bearing. After applying the lubricant, you have to wait few minutes so that the lubricant is soaked well and ready to work. Then you will have to use a large rubber mallet and hit the rotor from the front side and backside.

Secondly, you have to light the acetylene torch to apply heat to the wheel hub face and around the wheel hub studs. After some time, you will have to strike the rotor with a rubber mallet. This might take some attempts before the brake rotor is fully removed. Once you will get the rotor removed from the wheel hub, you should sandpaper on its’ surface to clear the rust and other elements.

Video: 5 Methods to Remove a Stuck Brake rotor

I have published many guides on brake rotors & pads on this site. Below are some of those you might like:

How to Remove a Stuck Brake Rotor

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