What I've learned about wheel hub locator pins
 

Some time ago I ordered rear brake rotors, two sets in fact, for my 91 and 92 300D. Ordered Balo as I've always had success with them before. Got a call from my indie and he said they wouldn't fit. On my wheel hub there is a locating pin in addition to a set screw. There is no hole for the locating pin on the rotor. See pics below.

Did a little research. Found out (someone can correct if I'm wrong about any of this): (a) the locating pin was of use in the manufacturing process to align things; (b) it serves no mechanical purpose once everything is put together; (c) MB at some point decided it was unnecessary; and (d) it can safely be removed to accommodate a wider variety of rotors....that's what I've done.

The parts supplier in Arizona makes these issues very clear....for my cars, I'd have to get a Bosch rotor if I didn't want to eliminate the pin. The Pelican site is deficient in this respect; it makes no mention of the issue and every pic they show of the rotors that they sell for my cars shows only six holes.

So, just one more thing to be aware of.

those locating pins are on rwd volvos also. they're one of the first items to go when purchasing a used V, usually following removal of the door/seatbelt buzzer relay.

Toyotas seem to have those too.

Brembo's technical drawing clearly shows a dowel hole required for this part number.

The original 201- number had the hole, but the EPC shows this was superceded/replaced by the 202- number, which apparently is hole-less.

http://www.w124performance.com/image...otor_258x9.jpg

Constantly amazed by the things your are able to unearth! ;)

So the the reference in the EPC must imply that removing the pin is perfectly fine with MB, correct?

Basically, yes.

:stuart:

sorry, William
 

out, out, damn pin

And, with the rear brakes done on my 91, I am back to having all cars in perfect working order. Wonder how long that will last....:rolleyes:

I predict 3 1/2 days.

Come on, I'm sure there's something that needs doing! You fixed the window in the 190E yet? :P

I have a roughly ten-item list of stuff I need to do on the cars, starting with "Reinstall transmission"!

That's funny stuff, there. If you sacrifice a Honda to the Gods of Mechanical Things you might stretch your good luck out to a week.

http://img.naij.com/n/06/d/burning-honda.jpg

Taken care of. There she goes...

Shertex, think your wife will let you torch Homer?

My car has the pins still and I'm buying rotors that don't have a hole for the pin. I'll be doing this job soon. How does the pin come out? Hammer it out from the back? Does it unscrew?

IIRC my mechanic used a torch.

Wonderful tool, that smoke wrench! I love mine! Seriously tho, a high speed cut off wheel works well with less heat. Follow it up with a quick light grind &/or polish till smooth, and you are good as new. Minimal heat distortion = less chance of brake pulsation.

I'm looking at the high speed balancing issue and possible bearing stress due to unbalanced surfaces.


Grinding down the pin after cutting 90% out with a cutter wheel keeps the weight and balance closer to original and you don't have to buy a torch.


I regularly use and like MAPP gas for a lot of small jobs instead of acetylene.


One junkyard near me does not allow acetylene, but allows MAPP gas and propane. Go figure.