I'm stripping down the 87 disc rear I just bought to rebuild the calipers and prepare to swap it into my 84z. The rotors are rusted to the axle making it difficult to remove them. I've been soaking them with PB Blaster but so far they haven't loosened. Wondering if anyone has any tricks to solve this. Heat maybe?

Thanks,
Mike

 

I've had luck with spraying oil, putting the wrench on there with the closed end on the bolt, and tapping with a 3lb mini sledge. Make sure you're tapping the right way hehe! I've used heat as well. Be careful not to cook any rubber that's in the vacinity.

When using the mini-sledge just let the weight of the hammer do the work for you, helping it along as necessary. That's if you don't have an impact drill or air tools of course.

 

Thanks but no bolts. I'm trying to slide the rotor off but it is apparently rusted to the axle flange. I'm soaking with PB Blaster and using my sledge but have had no movement yet. Don't want to keep beating on it because I'm afraid that might damage the axle bearings. Can't find a puller either that's big enough to grasp on to the edge of the rotor. Any other advice???

Thanks,
Mike

 

I would heat the center of the rotor where its rusted to the axle flange, but you don't want to get it too hot and heat soak the seals on the axle and melt them. Then get out the trusty BFH and go to work with it

 

Ugh! Sorry I read your post too fast. How about tapping something in behind the rotor to give it some outward pressure over time? That way any release oils you've sprayed will creep in there a bit faster. I'm trying to remember from when I did mine, what it looks like in behind. Hope that's more of a help than my original post lol

 

Heat and hammer seems to be the consensus. I'm continuing to soak from as many angles as possible too. Do you think a propane torch will be hot enough?

Thanks, appreciate the responses.

Mike

 

Yes you'll have to hold it on there longer but a propane torch will eventually put enough heat in the metal