Howdo I get the rear rotors off?
 

1983 300SD. I am trying to get the rear rotor off to replace it. Is there a release screw or spot that I am missing? Do I need a special tool somewhere. Need Help

rotors
 

Hello ,
I am replacing rotors on my car as well.
Put on your safty glasses.
I use "P B Blaster" a type of penatrating oil.
Put a few drops arount the hub.
Be aware that your e-brake shoes are behind the hub. If you get them oily use brake cleaner and spray them clean.
then get a large hammer ...a sledge hammer works well.
You dont need a lot of strength. The weight of the hammer will do.
You can also use a 2x4 x12 in. block of wood and a smaller hammer, just give it a real good whack! Its all about energy transfer .........
Give it a square hit right on the face. Between the bolt holes.
It will bounce right off.
Clean off the hub with some sand paper.

opps
 

I almost forgot ..... I believe there is a small bolt holding the rotor in place. You need a 5MM hex. Remove that first.
-A

I do not recall a bolt holding anything in place. Just remove caliper and make sure your e-brake is OFF. Give her a nice whack if needed.

Thank you for your help. Where is the hex bolt? The only bolt I see is the one in the center of the hub. Also by knocking the rotor off with a hammer won't I damage something in the e-brake system. How often does the e-brake system have to be replaced?

Mine has a countersunk screw that holds the rotor in place. It's between 2 of the lug-bolt holes. Once that's out, follow Anthonies instructions. Repeat as needed.

Are the SD systems different from the 300D W123's? Just wondering, as the right rotor on my '83 just almost fell off after the caliper was removed in preparation for changing out the CV shaft. Its possible that the e-brake shoes are adjusted out quite a bit, and that there is a lip on the drum somewhat like outside the main pads after some wear has occurred. Also the hex bolt in the center of the hub holds the CV shaft in place, don't remove that one!

bolts
 

Yes,
There is one countersunk bolt that holds the rotor in position. There is also a drift pin in the hub. I believe this arangement aligns the rotor to the hub and allows the lugs to thread in easily. Make sure you replace it ... not too tight! Do not remove the center Bolt in the hub!
As for replacing the e-brake shoes. My car has 135,000 miles on it. The shoes have some cracks from age and thermal expantion. If the shoes are in good shape with no cracks and you dont typicaly use the E-brake youll save $32.00
I am very piticular with my car ..... I replace it weather it needs it or not. I have pics if you need them.
-Anthony

If you could post the pictures I would appreciate it. Dennis

Pictures
 

for you.

nope no bolt on the 83 300sd. i had mine off a while back and had to use a bottle jack to get it off. you might try heating it up.

Couple good wacks on the center, then tap the flat area round where the pads run, should pop off. Do not hit very hard if you need to re-use the rotor for braking (it will be fine as a boat anchor).

The rears usually require that you back off the parking brake to get them off if they come loose from the hub but won't come free. Adjuster is about 2:00 oclock, visible through a lug bolt hole.

The rears tend to rust on pretty bad, as it's normal for them to be there for 100,000 miles or more! Use a little antisieze on the face of the hub under new ones.

Peter

not good
 

The bolt is there to hold wheel bolt hole alignment between hub and rotor. :(
Someone lost or broke yours, at a guess. :(
You can run without it, just adds PIA to wheel R&R if the rotor and hub shift. :(

bolt......
 

As Mr whunter indicated Your bolt my have been lost or broke off.
:eek:
Anyway here is the pic of my 350SD
-A

Lets try again
 

A larger picture .....