1. Preparation:
- Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts of the wheel where the seized rotor is located.
- You will be working on one wheel at a time.
- It's recommended to use a breaker bar or impact wrench for stubborn lug nuts.
2. Penetrating Lubricant:
- Apply penetrating lubricant, such as WD-40 or a rust dissolver, onto the lug nuts.
- Spray it around the area where the rotor meets the hub.
- Let the lubricant penetrate for a few minutes while working on the next steps.
3. Remove the Wheel:
- Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Tap the Rotor:
- Gently tap the rotor with a rubber or rawhide mallet.
- Hit it in various locations around the perimeter to help break the grip of rust.
5. Heat the Rotor:
- If tapping doesn't work, use a propane torch to apply heat to the outer edge of the rotor.
- Heat evenly to avoid warping or damaging the rotor.
- Be cautious not to overheat or damage nearby parts.
6. Tap and Heat Technique:
- Alternate tapping the rotor and heating it with the torch until it breaks loose.
7. Break the Rust Joint:
- Once the rotor moves slightly, use a pry bar or crowbar to break the rusted joint between the rotor and the hub.
- Be careful when prying to prevent damage to surrounding components.
8. Remove the Rotor:
- Continue tapping and prying until the rotor comes off the hub.
9. Clean the Hub:
- Thoroughly clean the hub to remove any rust, dirt, or debris.
10. Install the New Rotor:
- Place the new rotor onto the hub and secure it with the lug nuts.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts initially to ensure proper alignment of the rotor.
11. Re-install the Wheel:
- Re-install the wheel and tighten the lug nuts using a star pattern to ensure even distribution of force.
12. Test the Brakes:
- Test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal firmly a few times until you feel a solid bite.
Remember, if you encounter extreme difficulty removing the seized brake rotors, it's best to seek professional assistance from a mechanic to avoid damaging essential vehicle parts.
