1. Safety First:
* Parking Brake: Engage the parking brake firmly.
* Wheel Chocks: Place wheel chocks behind the wheels opposite the one you're working on.
* Jack and Stands: Securely jack up the car and support it with jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Gloves: Wear work gloves to protect your hands.
* Eye Protection: Wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris.
2. Preparation:
* Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before jacking up the car. Remove the wheel completely once the car is safely supported.
3. Rust and Corrosion Breaking:
This is the crucial step. The goal is to break the bond between the rotor and the hub. You have several options, and often combining them is best:
* Penetrating Oil: Liberally spray penetrating oil (like PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench) onto the mating surface between the rotor and hub. Allow it to soak for at least 30 minutes, ideally longer (even overnight). Reapply as needed.
* Hammer and Punch: Carefully tap around the perimeter of the rotor hat (the central part) with a hammer and a punch or chisel. Use gentle taps initially, working your way around the circumference. Avoid damaging the wheel studs. *Be extremely careful not to damage the hub*.
* Rotor Removal Tool: A rotor puller tool is specifically designed for this job. It's the safest and most effective method. These tools use various mechanisms to pull the rotor off, but usually involve tightening a center bolt to force the rotor loose. If you opt for this, follow the manufacturer's instructions precisely.
4. Removal:
Once you've applied penetrating oil and used the hammer and punch (or rotor puller) try to remove the rotor.
* Gentle Force: Try to wiggle or gently pry the rotor off. Use a pry bar carefully, placing it against the rotor's hat, ensuring you don't damage the hub.
5. If Still Stuck:
* More Penetrating Oil & Time: If it's still stuck, apply more penetrating oil and let it sit for several hours or even overnight.
* Heat: (Use caution!) A propane torch can carefully apply heat to the hub, expanding the metal and potentially breaking the bond. *Be extremely careful not to overheat the hub or damage the wheel bearings*. Apply heat evenly and for short bursts only.
* Professional Help: If you've tried everything and still can't get it off, take it to a mechanic. A professional will have the tools and experience to remove the rotor safely without causing damage.
Important Notes:
* Hub Damage: Be extremely careful not to damage the wheel hub during this process. A damaged hub is a much more expensive repair.
* Rust and Corrosion: This is the primary reason rotors get stuck. Regular maintenance and cleaning can prevent this issue.
Remember, safety is paramount. If you're not comfortable performing this task, it's best to seek professional help. The cost of professional help will likely be far less than the cost of damaging your hub.
