they're the stock ones, have never been removed since they bought the truck in 2001. Caliper and bracket are off, the little clips are off, there's NOTHING else to hold them on, but they wont come off for ****. I've done everything I can think of to get the rotor off to no avail, anyone have this experience previously and can offer some help?

 

Have you hit it with a hammer? Preferably a plastic or rubber headed type.

 

try some wd and a rubber mallet. If that doesnt work just cut the a-arms and whole hub assembly! Then torch them off.

 

Something's holding them on alright...RUST! I soaked mine with some rust penatrant and hit them with a hammer. Had to hit it a few times, spin the rotor, then hit it from the other side, rinse and repeat. (note: there is always the slight possibility that in extreme circumstances wheel bearing damage may occur, but this is not common) Needless to say I replaced the rotors. If it's rusted on badly, a rubber mallet will only frustrate you and consume your energy.

When you do get the rotors off, I'd recommend cleaning the rust off the hub assemblies with some steel wool, scotch brite, die grinder, etc. and installing some anti-sieze. You'll thank yourself next time you go to tear it apart.

p.s....wear safety goggles...ask me how I know

 

it was just the rust, we ended up yanking the hub off and just brutally beating the rotor off the hub. going to sand the hub down today and rustoleum them so hopefully that will do something to help.

 

Yea make sure you dont damage that wheel bearing, you have to purchase the whole hub assembly (230.00) to fix it!

I did that yesterday

 

how can you tell if the bearing assembly is damaged? we were pretty careful not to load one side and not the other so hopefully it should be ok.

 

how can you tell if the bearing assembly is damaged? we were pretty careful not to load one side and not the other so hopefully it should be ok.

 

2 easy ways to know...first you can check it for play: with the brakes/wheels/etc. assembled and the vehicle jacked off the ground, grab the top and bottom of the tire and try to rock it, it should not have any play. If you feel looseness or a thunking, the bearing is damaged and needs replacement. If that checks OK, the other test is to check for abnormal noise while driving...the noise will be rotational and will usually increase with speed. It may sound like a whurring, or possibly a continual thumping (that increases frequency as speed increases). Turning the steering wheel side to side will change the pitch of the sound, as the load on the bearings changes with the road force/body roll of the vehicle.

 

damn good info to know, I should have it back together and on the ground tomorrow (unless the drop kit shows up) and I'll have to check all that out. Thanks again for the help and information guys!