SlimTL

Okay, so I ordered some Rotora slotted rotors for my wife's TSX. Today I removed everything, but i can't get the screws out to remove the rotors from the axle. There are two screws and they are extremely tight in the threads. I tried unscrewing them but they just wouldn't budge and noticed the screws began stripping.
It's not stripped completely because I can still fit the screwdriver in pretty snug. So now I'm trying to figure out another solution. Should I get a screwdriver with a deeper head?

Basically, what is the best way to remove the rotors without stripping the screws?

FYI:
I'm asking this here because I figure 3G TL guys might have more experience with this. And the brake assembly is similar to the TL without the brembos.

LoveMyTL-S

I changed out my rotors in my old 04 TSX. Those retaining screws were a bear. I was doing this at a DIY shop (hobby shop) and the mech there had a screw driver that you can hammer. Not sure what you call it (impact screwdriver?). But that worked like a charm. Gave it a few whacks and that loosened the screws. You can leave them out once you get them out. Good luck.

ACU-RATE

iTrader: (2)

I can't rembr. the what the tool is called, BUT as you hit the end with a hammer it turns, which is what i used...hope this helps.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

If you can't get them out with an impact screwdriver, just drill the heads off and remove the rotor, then you can turn the rest out with pliers or vise grips. They aren't needed so no need to install new screws as they are only used during initial assembly at the plant to hold the rotors in place. Never damaged a screw beyound repair, and I've always reinstalled the screws, but that's just me.

SlimTL

What about the big nut in the center of the Rotor? According to the Service manual, that needs to be removed too. I guess I gotta buy a tool big enough to fit around it to screw it off.

If I leave the two retaining screws off the rotors, is it safe to drive around like that?

LoveMyTL-S

HUH? I don't remember removing the center hub. The rotor just slid off and the new one on.

VQPower37

get an impact screwdriver ... if its stuck, try to tighten it a little bit first and then loosen it ... it will come out pretty easily ... also spray wd40 all over it ... it will help, gluck

Guidanc3

In the past I've always just used craftsman impact screwdriver and one of those big heavy hammers. But I haven't tried on a TL yet.

SlimTL

I'll leave the center hub on and try to remove the rotor over it. If it works...fine. If not, then I'll just remove it if necessary.

Those retaining screws are a B*%#$ though. Would Autozone, or any other auto parts store, sell impact screwsdrivers? And if so, what's the price range?

This brake job is not so bad, but I never thought two pesky little screws would be causing so much trouble.

AndrewA

iTrader: (3)

yeah, my TL service manual wasn't very clear. it seemed that you had to remove the hub nut too, but luckily I didn't have to.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

No need to remove the axle nut.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

The lug nuts hold the wheel which in turn holds the rotor. It's not going anywhere!
If it bothers you they aren't on, after you get the car back together and drive around, pick up what you need then the next time you do a tire rotation install the screws.

JBPhoto

You can get an impact driver (the kind you hit with a hammer, not the electric/pneumatic variety) at Pep Boys for $12. When I changed my rotors, this worked fine on 7 of the 8 retaining screws; a few solid whacks with the hammer, and the screws loosened right up... except for 1. I broke 4 bits trying to get that one screw out (hey, what do you expect for $12? It certainly isn't Snap On), so I just drilled it. As it's been said, these screws are NOT required; they just keep the rotors attached during assembly, and once the wheels are on, they keep the rotors in place. And like Turbonut said, the rotors will slide right over the axle nuts.

SlimTL

Thanks for all the help guys. I used the impact driver, but the impact bits broke! So I basically got a pointed tool and tapped the screws until they turned. It took a while, but they finally gave way. Those screws were pretty tight.
Anyway, here are some pics of the complete job with a fresh wash.


Driver's side:



Passenger's Side:



Fresh Wash:



Profile 1:



Profile 2:

TLin401

Looks nice.