Got skunked

"PyramidHat" (pyramidhat) 04/04/2020 at 18:58 • Filed to: None

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Right, then...

Finally set out to refresh the brakes on the BMW. Got the space logistics worked out, back end  on stands and hit the first hurdle: Goddamn Goodyear shop used a pneumatic impact wrench and torqued the shit out of the lug nuts (month ago when I got new tires) . Had to stand on the goddamn breaker bar to get the bolts loose. But got it done, then back to work when I hit the second hurdle : Goddamn wheels were stuck on the car. Regardless, application of a mallet go them off which showed that Goodyear didn’t do any clean up on the hub where it mates with the wheel , no anti seize, nothing. Didn’t even clean up some of the nests or whatever was there from when the car was sitting. Grrr...

OK, fine, back to work. Got caliper off, bracket off, removed bolt holding disc on (only 1, interestingly ) and...it’s stuck. OK, there’s some rust, clean it up with a wire brush and hit it with some liquid wrench and let it sit while I start on the other wheel. Come back, still nothing (yes, E brake was off). Quick! To the internet! YouTube shows video using a hammer (discs were going to get scrapped, so no big deal). Beat the piss out of it with a hammer and a mallet and...nothing. Even with the bigger hammer.

Inspector Harry Calahan, SFPD, once stated “A man’s got to know his limitations.” Sage words, those. So, I buttoned everything a back up and contacted the local indy shop to see if they’ll install the parts I already bought. If not, then I have to see if FCP Euro will take them back, with a reasonably restocking fee.

Now, I’m showered, snacking on cheese and pondering my first beverage... Sometimes things just don’t work out...

My bird IS the word > PyramidHat 04/04/2020 at 19:27

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God knows why bmw uses lug bolts instead of nuts and studs. The damn wheels ALWAYS rust to the hubs...

TorqueToYield > PyramidHat 04/04/2020 at 19:37

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Some days you’re the hammer some days you’re the nail.

PyramidHat > TorqueToYield 04/04/2020 at 19:48

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Or in my case, some days you’re the hammer, some days you’re the rotor...

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > PyramidHat 04/04/2020 at 20:08

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Did you try a torch and hammer? I’ve also had luck with wedging a pry  bar between the back of the rotor and a lower ball joint (of course there is a limit to how much force this will accept). They also might have the threaded holes in the rotor for you to run a bolt through to loosen things up. That being said no shame in getting a shop to do it. 

PyramidHat > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 04/04/2020 at 21:30

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No torch and wasn’t quite inclined at this point. Used the hammer to no effect (other than putting dents in the disc).   As for the threaded holes, none of these on BMW rotors - those would have worked nicely, though. I did see a video where someone got a giant gear puller to remove the disc.

MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) > PyramidHat 04/04/2020 at 21:37

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A 20$ propane torch is good to have in your arsenal and it makes you feel like a badass. Pretty safe and simple imo. 

PyramidHat > MKULTRA1982(ConCrustyBrick) 04/04/2020 at 22:50

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That’s a fine idea!  I’ll pick one up on GP’s...

AdverseMartyr > PyramidHat 04/04/2020 at 23:54

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You said that the parking brake was off. Does that mean it has parking brake shoes inside a small drum? If so, did you back the adjustment screw off to pull the shoe back from the drum ?

There might be a lip that the brake shoe is grabbing. That’s my first random thought though. Sucks when the “ simple” jobs aren’t.

PyramidHat > AdverseMartyr 04/05/2020 at 01:35

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Yes, that’s how the brake is configured. I’d lik e your hypothesis if there was some slack (rotor would move inboard and outboard, just not all the way)   but wouldn’t come of f...in my case, that bugger was solid on the hub