rotor screws; leaving off - Brake Repair Help


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rotor screws; leaving off

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Auto Repair Home>> Automotive Repair>> Brake Repair Help

fat-katie
User

Jun 21, 2022, 10:49 AM

Post #1 of 3 (954 views)

rotor screws; leaving off

I changed rotors on a 2014 Kia Optima and ran into something I've never seen. There were screws holding the rotors to the hub. I couldn't get a few off so I stripped the heads off and continued. I assumed they were production artifacts.

Something interesting happened on one of the wheels. On one of the rears I was successful in screw removal and reinstalled them after the rotor change. After a test drive, that wheel made a small noise. During a wheel lug torque test (after driving the car) the lugs on that wheel were loose. I tightened them up, drove again, and they were loose again!

I took the wheel off and guess what. That screw had worked it's way out (I think I never really ever seated it) and was preventing the seating of the rotor. I removed the screws.

So, do you agree with me that no screws are ok? If I see this again the screws will not be reinstalled.

Thank you.

Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Hammer Time profile image

Jun 21, 2022, 11:03 AM

Post #2 of 3 (951 views)

Re: rotor screws; leaving off

The screws were put there for a reason and should be replaced. I have seen people leave them off before but I wouldn't recommend it.

What you have to use to remove them is what's called a "hammer bit driver". This is designed to deliver a slight twist when impacted with a heavy hammer.

I normally don't allow links but the image uploads are not working right now.

https://www.tooltopia.com/GearWrench-KD-1140

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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.

Tom Greenleaf
Ultimate Carjunky / Moderator
Tom Greenleaf profile image

Jun 21, 2022, 1:38 PM

Post #3 of 3 (934 views)

Re: rotor screws; leaving off

Lucky you caught the loose wheel! They are there so if you can't get them back in ROTOR may not be on fully! That and probably rotors were machined when new on the car already.
I know they stink I call the tool an impact driver comes with all the bits you slam that when in right direction CC for off and it should get those out. You may need new ones if destroyed.
That also keeps rotors (drums sometimes) from just falling off if you just changed a wheel or rotated tires now you've lost that.
Stinks - they do make a slot with a Dremel tool to go back and get those.
They are specific screws when tight are flush to the surface the wheel is touching don't just put anything that threads in there they are unique.
Trick for those who do their own work is just put a smear of grease on those heads and gasket shellac on threads (works like thread locker) it won't mess with you again.

Worse now you may have wrecked those rotors and perhaps bent that wheel! Was it worth it?

Tom

(This post was edited by Tom Greenleaf on Jun 21, 2022, 1:40 PM)

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