Brake Disc question?
 

G'mornin' Folks,

I know this isn't specifically Diesel related, but I think the best mechanics are in this part of the forum.

I would like to know the size of the allen wrench/socket required to separate the brake disc from the front axel hub.

I intend to renew my brake discs, new ones should be here tomorrow.....and I am gathering up all of the stuff that I will need to complete a good repair. The MB Manual gives all of the "special" tools needed...and that I don't have....but does not list the size of allen needed to address the socket head screws that hold the disc to the hub. I just don't wanna get the thing apart and then find out that I haven't the tools to do the job.

Any comments on problems and hassles with this job would also be appreciated.....

Thanx
SB

I used a 10mm allen socket on mine. Use a 1/2 or 3/4 inch drive. Dont even think of using a 3/8 inch drive. I broke 2 - 3/8 inch rachets doing this job.

After you remove the hub from the car, bolt the hub back to the wheel with two lug bolts. You'll be able to use the wheel as a "handle". The rotor mounting bolts are usually pretty tight.

Penetrating lube.
 

Use lots of it. Also, try giving the ends of the bolts (on the OUTSIDE) a good whack before you try to remove them. Use two ball-peen hammers, one with the ball on the end of the bolt, then smack the face of that hammer with the other one.

Jay

P.S. A little heat goes a long way. If you don't have a torch, use a heat gun.

I have metric allen sockets that I bought years ago. I used the 10MM with a long breaker bar. They all broke loose with no problem. Read the FSM, I think they require locktite going back on.

you're supposed to replace with new bolts, but...
 

at least clean off all the old rust and locktite and put new blue locktite back on.
at the parts stores they sell a cool new blue locktite in a paste that squirts out like roll on deodorant. really cool!
John

Thanx guys.....
 

One of the reasons that I am waiting to get into my buddy's shop is that I will have access to more tools than I have here......was intending to chuck the hub up in a lathe and then working on it......a little heat and a little penetrant go a long way....

thinking about using the green locktite...the one that requires heat to release......

like the idea of bolting the hub back onto the tire tho.....should work as well.....

will purchase a 10MM 1/2" drive socket.....all I have are 3/8" in metric...and the regular allen sets

Thanx again...just what I wanted to hear...

SB

Green loctite??? please no.
that stuff will destroy the next guy's tools.
DON"T DO IT!!!
just use the blue, they will not come undone... look how hard it is to get them off now.
John

the allen pockets must be absolutely free of debris. then the 1/2" drive breaker bar. you have to put a lot of torque on it to crack them loose so be sure to religeously keep the socket and everything square to the bolt. it is not easy and if you arent fairly strong you might not get it out without heat.

they always feel like something is going to break right before they come loose.

i use red locktite but not too much. a few drops.

good luck.

dont get in a hurry.

tom w

you might need some heat before you loosen them
 

give them 30 seconds with a propane torch, it'll be a snap

Huh!!
 

What, you have a problem with Acetelyene??:D

SB

and I promise to be careful....honest....lol

All my Acetylene disappears
 

My better 1/2 uses it for that High Temperature Stir Fried Asian Cooking she does...claims she cant change a light bulb, I get stuck with all the chores..but somehow the acetylene accidentally got hooked up by someone....:D :D :D

Thanx for this comment.....
 

Initially I intended to do my brake rotors on Monday at a buddy's Harley Restoration business...where I would have access to a big lathe and milling machine.....had planned to just chuck the hubs in the lathe, lock it, and go from there....BUT....

Friday evening my buddy hit a deer while driving his BMW motorcycle....he is presently in intensive care in Morgantown, WV.....he was wearing a "1/2 hat" style helmet (I use the same)....and has suffered some heavy duty head trauma.....enough for the Life Flight Choppers to be called out!!!

So...I will be using the above mentioned method......I dunno if I would have figured that out myself, or not......as I had said I had planned to go a different route.

Thanx again...there is a wealth of info on these pages...
SB

very sorry to hear about your friend,

please go get a full helmet.

tom w

would an impact wrench work ok?
John