Can't free rear rotors from hub. Any advice?
 

I am replacing the rear rotors on my '97 E420 with 90K miles. I already did the fronts and those rotors came off after a few whacks with an old wooden bat, but the rears wont budge. Yes, I removed the caliper carrier and the retaining screw from the rotor to the hub. Yes, the emergency brake is off. Can someone give me some advice?

Did you use a flat blade screw driver to move the parking brake screw adjuster? accessed through the hub. Left side wheel gets turned from the top downward to loosen (I think) opposite for right hand side.
I haven't done this on an E-class so I don't want to sound too definitive.

Apply penetrant at the bases of the wheel studs, and all around the centering hub. Let it sit for an hour at least, then tap around the primiter of the rotor's hub with a hammer & it should shake loose from the hub. If it's loose but still won't come completely off, you'll need to back off the e-brake:)

Thanks. The penetrant and some harder whacks finally loosened them. I guess they just wanted to stay on the car after 94K miles.

you should use anti-seize around the hub where it meets the rotor, so it never happens again


John

I also like to use a mild sanding attachment on a hand drill and polish out the rust and corrosion that forms on the hub.

I cleaned it really well with a wire brush and more penetrant. Looked brand new, and more importantly my brake shimmy is gone.