dgoude266

I'm a first time do it yourselfer and last night I had a nightmare of a time trying to replace my front rotors on my 99 ES300. I finally got the complete brake assembly off and got the center bolt off and realized the rotor still wouldn't budge. I read on a post in here that there are two 12MM holes in the face of the rotor that you have to drive bolts into to get the rotor loose. So I have three questions...

1. Is that actually true? I see the two holes and they do have threads so I assume it is.

2. Is there a way for a do it yourselfer to get this to happen with traditional tools or do I actually need an air driven tool to drive bolts into those little holes?

3. The replacement rotor that I purchased is for my car model, but it doesn't look like it has the center piece that the rotor currently on my car has. Do I have to modify the new rotor to make it fit securely?

Thanks!

92ES5sp

Its the same rotor. You dont have to remove the axle nut. You dont need air tools either just use a socket and a ratchet to drive the bolts through. Or get a big hammer and beat the **** out of it. It will be easier that way. Watch out for the studs though. Before you put the new rotor on take a scotch-brite and clean the corrosion of the hub.

dgoude266

So you're saying that when I got the caliper mount out of the way if I had just had 12MM bolts with a head and used a ratchet I could have gotten it off? Or even better just hit it really hard with the hammer and it would have come loose? If that's the case I'm trying again tonight!

maniax

iTrader: (3)

yes. just put bolts into the holes and tighten it a little at a time on each side. It'll come out. Those holes are great!

dallison

arent those holes great?

when i had my 87 camry, they same 12 mm bolt works with my wife's 4runner and my es.




it will work trust us

3000

Ratchet, Bolts and WD-40 does the job.

rlx101

well, on our es300 i drove two bolts into those holes and the rotor CRACKED instead of coming off...

GEORGE_JET

WD 40 or any good penetrating oil, and then drive the two bolts in evenly. Do not apply too much pressure, and do not be afraid to smack it a few times with a hammer. A few good raps will help remove it, you want to hit it on the side, aiming towards the axle. If you are afraid of rapping a stud, then run a couple of the nuts back onto them before hitting the rotor.

JSM1284

If you removed the center axle nuts, make sure you dont re-use the old ones. Get new nuts or you could damage the axle.

atclex

Will this work on the rear rotors too? I am having some trouble with those on my 01 ES300... thanks!

AndyG

You're almost there! As other's said, use some lube, maybe the bolts in the holes, and some good old fashioned beating on it with a mallet or whatnot and it will come loose.