Trouble removing front rotor

Suspension related stuff goes in here.
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statmasterack

Trouble removing front rotor

Post by statmasterack »

First of all, I'm a complete Fiat newbie and a less-than-talented mechanic. Be that as it may...

The front left tire on the '77 Spider that I recently acquired fell off the other day while driving it. It wasn't that the lug nuts came loose, it was that the studs themselves stripped out of the rotor. With the help of a neighbor, I was able to limp it home on the spare tire with the one remaining bolt (only about 150 yards). After examining the rotor, it's clear that it needs replaced, as two of the four stud threadings are shot.

So, using my trusty Haynes manual, I manage to get the brake caliper and yoke off. Now, however, I can't seem to get the rotor off. I've tried tapping it with a hammer, but not too hard, because I really don't know what I'm doing.

Here's the catch -- I notice that the two spigot bolts that hold the spacer and the rotor in place are missing. In fact, the after-market rims that are on the car now do not even seem compatible with those two bolts (see pictures below). My fear is that a previous owner may have found some alternative (and scandalous) way to attach the rotor to the hub so as to use these 'custom' rims.

Anyone have any ideas? Thoughts? Much appreciated, and apologies if I'm just missing something obvious. Thanks!

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The (presumably) original rim on the spare tire.

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The after-market rims (left-rear shown).

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The left-front rotor, brake/yoke removed.
So Cal Mark

Re: Trouble removing front rotor

Post by So Cal Mark »

the rotor isn't threaded for the lug bolts, the wheel hub is what you need. The rotor merely slips over the hub. You're going to have to remove the hub and bearings to get it all apart anyway, so you might as well disassemble it that way. The rotors can get rusted to the hub pretty easily
pope

Re: Trouble removing front rotor

Post by pope »

The two small bolt are only handy to allow mounting of the tire easily and they hold the rotor in position to insert the lug bolts. You will have to hold the tire in place as you put on the lug bolts. The new wheel does not have holes drilled to accept them so they were left off. Arent you the one who said that you stood on the wrench to tighten the bolts, before you drove it? I think you overthighten the bolts and stretched the threads and weakened them, allowing then to strip easily. Those bolts only need about 65 ft.lb. of pressure.

Get some spray penetrating oil, like PB Blaster, and spray it around the hub area. Get a block of wood and lay that on the rotor and hit away! You can also use a rubber mallet. Lay the wood on the back of the rotor and hit outwards also. It will free up with a few good hits.
statmasterack

Re: Trouble removing front rotor

Post by statmasterack »

So Cal Mark wrote:the rotor isn't threaded for the lug bolts, the wheel hub is what you need. The rotor merely slips over the hub. You're going to have to remove the hub and bearings to get it all apart anyway, so you might as well disassemble it that way. The rotors can get rusted to the hub pretty easily
Ohhh, okay. Shows how much I know about working on cars. Gotta start somewhere, I guess :shock:. So, the rotor slips over the wheel hub something like this, yes?

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Much appreciated, and glad I didn't go ahead and order a new rotor.
pope wrote:The two small bolt are only handy to allow mounting of the tire easily and they hold the rotor in position to insert the lug bolts. You will have to hold the tire in place as you put on the lug bolts. The new wheel does not have holes drilled to accept them so they were left off. Arent you the one who said that you stood on the wrench to tighten the bolts, before you drove it? I think you overthighten the bolts and stretched the threads and weakened them, allowing then to strip easily. Those bolts only need about 65 ft.lb. of pressure.
No, that wasn't me, I hadn't done anything more than check the lug nuts to make sure they were tight. I am going to invest in a torque wrench though, that's for sure.
pope wrote:Get some spray penetrating oil, like PB Blaster, and spray it around the hub area. Get a block of wood and lay that on the rotor and hit away! You can also use a rubber mallet. Lay the wood on the back of the rotor and hit outwards also. It will free up with a few good hits.
Right on, will give that the old college try. Thanks!
velozi

Re: Trouble removing front rotor

Post by velozi »

Also check the bolt pattern on those wheels. Fiats use 4x98, which is very hard to find. If a 4x100 is used instead, plan for failure in the long run.
AlfaSeltzer

Re: Trouble removing front rotor

Post by AlfaSeltzer »

pope wrote:Arent you the one who said that you stood on the wrench to tighten the bolts, before you drove it?
I was in a rush! :oops:
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