Rotor Removal

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Jul 9, 2015 | 07:05 PM

mandd71974

Thread Starter

Cruiser

Joined: Apr 2015

Posts: 153

Likes: 2

From: Taylor Mill, Kentucky

Rotor Removal

I'm putting different rims on my ultra and need to remove the rotor on the rear wheel to be able to install it on the other rim. I have tried the impact star bits that I bought at Advance Auto and they immediately broke off. Is there something else I should be trying or is there a trick to this? Thanks

Jul 9, 2015 | 07:55 PM

texashillcountry

Dirt don't hurt

Joined: Jan 2011

Posts: 21,065

Likes: 4,561

From: Haslet Texas

Snap on.
I've twisted my Snap on star bit but they fixed it for free.

Sometimes I've had to use a hand impact with a 4 lbs sledge to get those bolts out.

Jul 9, 2015 | 08:00 PM

Stiggy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Nov 2010

Posts: 17,548

Likes: 7,197

From: Oxford, Nc

Heat the heads of the bolts with a propane torch first. That will melt the Loc-Tite that's holding the threads that are breaking your torx bits.

Jul 9, 2015 | 08:09 PM

Deucedog

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2005

Posts: 3,302

Likes: 275

From: Milton, Delaware

And..I believe those bolts are one time use. Get new bolts for the reinstall.

Last edited by Deucedog; Jul 9, 2015 at 08:11 PM.

Jul 9, 2015 | 08:20 PM

Greezey Rider

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Apr 2014

Posts: 6,322

Likes: 2,500

From: Tennessee

I've come across some really stubborn ones over the years, I usually weld a nut to the head of the bolt and use an air impact to get them out.
The heat of welding certainly helps the process.

Jul 9, 2015 | 08:50 PM

TwiZted Biker

Club Member

Joined: Mar 2009

Posts: 66,122

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From: Niles Canyon Ca.

As stated before heat the heads a bit with small torch or big soldering iron if you have one if not try this method. Put the torx bit on a breaker bar and apply steady even down pressure against it while holding the socket in against the bolt head, It may not move immediately but continue to hold heavy steady down pressure and the bolt will break free after short period. I have yet to strip out a bit or damage a bolt since I started doing it this way, all the impacts and sudden banging do it distort the bit & bolt head.

Jul 10, 2015 | 12:10 AM

OldEnuf2NoBtr

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 9,165

Likes: 1,910

From: Doghouse... mostly

If you would of had a shop manual, you would have known this.

Last edited by OldEnuf2NoBtr; Jul 10, 2015 at 05:09 PM.

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Jul 10, 2015 | 04:59 AM

MNPGRider

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2007

Posts: 6,336

Likes: 67

From: SW Minnesota

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldEnuf2NoBtr

If you would of had a shop manual, you would have known this. Idiot.

There's nothing in my '06 shop manual in the rear wheel section about heating bolts on brake rotors. It does specify the use of RED Loctite on the belt pulley upon reassembly, not on the brake rotors, but use of heat is not mentioned when taking off the belt pulley, either. It merely says, "Remove five bolts (with flat washers) securing belt sprocket to hub," which is the same directions for taking off the brake rotors. Both sets of bolts specify replacement after three removals.

The directions on a tube of RED Loctite specify the use of heat to release its grip on bolts. Another place someone might learn this trick is by posting a question on a forum.