E46 brakes

[gmz1]

Attempting to replace back brakes and rotors, 323ci, 2000. Calipers were no problem, little locking screw removed. Rotors wont budge. Used half a can of WD40, parking brakes not stuck, but rotors wont move. Sledge hammer is next. Is there a trick to this?? Any suggestions?

[Keith M]

If you got WD-40 on your parking brake pads, plan on replacing them.
Try this: Re-mount the wheel and give it a shake. The extra leverage should do the trick. Just be prepared for when the rotor and wheel come off (it may come off and send you backpedaling across the garage only to trip over an engine hoist, then said wheel and rotor fly into the air to land on you brand new Honda mower which rolls across the floor and dents your newly painted tool box. The wheel/rotor manage to escape the garage and roll down the driveway and into the flower bed, mortally crushing several annuals that were just planted. You curse loudly and give chase only to have it crash into the fence separating you and your neighbor. You notice that they are having a large family gathering.....and they are all staring.)

You can also try and back the parking brake adjuster off and tap it lightly with a hammer.

Keith

[Jeron]

Keith M method works but so does the BFH (big fat hammer). You are replacing the rotors anyway so just wack'em.

[gmz1]

Thanks! you folks are great and I appreciate it. Will be back shortly, hopefully wont have to chase the rotor down the street!

[Keith M]

Good luck.

And yes, that is a true story.

Keith

[gmz1]

I believe it! I whacked it with the bfh 15 or 20 times and it came right off! painted the calipers, looks like an M3. Only 3 more to do. Thanks again, photos coming soon...