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Front/Rear Brake Rotor Removal

3K views 9 replies 8 participants last post by  CanadianZed-J 
#1 ·
I started to change the front and rear rotors on my 99WJ and immediately ran into a problem. I found it impossible to break free the anchor bolts on the backside of the anchor/caliper assembly. I broke my ratchet and a socket reducer. My electric impact wrench also could not break them loose. Is there a trick to breaking them free? I don't want to twist them off. Any help thanked in advance.
 
#2 ·
I just soaked them in WD 40 and let them sit for a while but it sound to me like someone air gunned them tight which they shouldn't be.
No trick to it at all just get some PB or WD and soak em!!!

Phil :wave:
 
#3 ·
Are you sure you were turning the correct direction? Since the bolt you are working on is one the backside of where you are standing. Think that by turning the ratchet clockwise you'll actually be spinning the bolt OUT of the hole..
 
#4 ·
I agree, make sure you are turning the bolts the right direction.

I just replaced the front rotors and front / rear breaks on my '97 and had no trouble removing them with a 3/8" drive ratchet.

You may run into trouble removing the rotors; they may be rusted to the hub. Tap on it with a hammer to help break the rust loose, they will eventually come off.

Sometimes your bleeders will refuse to open as well. Fear not! You can just take the cap off of the brake fluid reservoir and close the caliper shut with a c-clamp. You will force the fluid back up the line and won't have to bleed that wheel. You may need to remove some fluid as you are doing this so it doesn't overflow. Note: Brake fluid will ruin your paint if it sets on it too long.

My calipers were in near perfect condition. The sliders were intact and moved freely. I could push the pistons back in by hand. Disc brakes are wonderful. :)

HTH :thumbsup:

- Brian
 
#6 ·
Job Completed

Thanks for all the help everyone. I had to have a seal replaced in the transfer case (under warranty) so I had the tech break the anchor bolts loose. They didn't charge me anything.
 
#10 ·
^ He gave the OP some time to let the WD-40 soak in.

:)


CZJ.
 
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