2017 Ram 1500 - much difficulty removing rear brake rotors

[slade25]

Replacing pads and rotors - having quite a hard time getting both rear rotors to loosen up and come off. Emergency brake is not on. Soaked the penetrating oil in, there are no clips on studs. Did the hammering between studs but no luck. Even tried using a ratcheted bolt & nut combo in behind to try to force the rotor off. Getting frustrated. Have not resorted to heat yet, gave up til the morning and have let it sit overnight. Much appreciate any suggestions.

 

[Rlaf75]

Is the rotor loose on the hub or does it start to pull off but binds up?

 

[04fxdwgi]

If the rotors are loose from the hub, but won't come off, emergency brake shoes gripping them, probably. Need to back off the adjusters then they'll come right off.

 

[slade25]

Unfortunately the rotors are not loose at all. I have tried backing off the adjusters, but it seems maybe i'm not getting it to happen it correctly (i have watched video on how to do it). Right/drivers side adjuster is on upper side of the 'drum' and the left/passenger side slot is on the right. Reluctant to pound the crap out of them, seems like I shouldn't have to go to that length. * I notice both of mine did NOT have the rubber adjuster sleeves in place, which might explain some corruption getting in there (will have to rectify that asap).

 

[LouM]

Can you rotate the rotor, if you can't you may have gone the wrong way with the adjuster.

 

[slade25]

Hey LouM, I have gone both ways, just to address what you are suggesting. It seems only 4 or 5 turns would be necessary, according to youtube video's i've watch. I didn't think it was going to be a hassle getting the rears rotors off.

 

[White six four]

If you're replacing them anyway go to pound town on them. Usually a 2-3lb maul makes quick work of it.

 

[LouM]

When I pull rotors with the internal parking brake it seems that I always go the wrong way.
What I do now days is keep rotating the rotor back and forth as I run the adjuster, either till it bottoms out, or the rotor gets hard to turn and is making a scrapping noise if it gets hard to turn and starts making noise I know I've been going the wrong way and it's time to start slowly inching my way the other way till bottomed out.

 

[slade25]

one other comment, is it better to have the truck in neutral while doing the rotor removal? Reluctant to do that until I get advice

 

[LouM]

I have mine in neutral most of the time when working on it. On the ground or on a hoist.
My current one is a "19" which will not allow putting the transmission in neutral with the key off, so I use a paper clip or pen and put the transfercase in neutral. You could always chock the front tires if concerned about it moving. Good idea any ways.