Stuck bolt

[crw]

I've been meaning to change out the front rotors on my BMW. The driver's side pulsates pretty bad. Well, after taking off the wheel and the caliper, there is a little bolt that holds the rotor to the hub. Someone, before me, stripped out the hex insides of this bolt so that I can't get it off. So, I figure my options are to take it to somebody to do the rotors, ($200) or if I can do it myself my cost would be about $80 plus the cost of whatever tools I need to get the bolt off. I'm not sure what tools I need, and I don't want to damage the hub behind it by drilling at it.

 

[beast3300]

There is nothing behind it. All you really need to do is get enough material off the head so the rotor will slide off. After that the remainder part of the set screw will usually come out with your fingers.

 

[The_Eric]

Find the next closest bit up in size (standard or metric) that uses a ratchet to drive it, and pound it in with a hammer. The combination of the added torque of the ratchet and the pounding should get it free.

Failing that, grind the head off and replace.

 

[crw]

Hmmm... my other question, do new rotors usually come with new set screws?

 

[ComfyShorts]

No.

 

[beast3300]

No, and the screws don't do anything but make it alittle easier to reinstall the wheels. It will keep the rotor from turning and blocking the wheel lugbolt holes.

 

[tomcat27]

you dont need to replace the bolt - its used at the factory for initial assembly

 

[crw]

I got it! After 45 minutes of drilling and dremeling... And, that bolt is never going back in there, lol.

 

[beast3300]

Originally Posted By: crw
I got it! After 45 minutes of drilling and dremeling... And, that bolt is never going back in there, lol.


ROFL!!! Good job, I usually don't put them back in.

 

[1 SX]

Good to hear!, When i did the brakes on the TL, I had the same issue, the bolt stripped in 1/2 sec flat, then i had to start drilling..

 

[scurvy]

VWs have the same bolt. With a Craftsman handheld impact driver, never found one that wouldn't come out even from the rust belt (they also use loads of salt on this side of the lake). I slather them with anti-seize before reinstalling, including the head after it's back in the disc.

Anything that makes it easier, safer or quicker to change a flat on the side of the road gets my vote.

 

[crw]

I should say, that bolt is never going back in there, because there simply is no bolt left. I basically drilled out everything. A little shell of it is still in existence, and the rest is shavings on the garage floor.

Now my shopping list includes new rotors, a good wire brush, and a small screwdriver (don't ask). Not bad for one night's work.

I should look into an impact driver. That would be cool.