How to remove front rotors

[fessup]

I have a 4x4 99 3500 that I need to replace a front rotor and don't have a manual. I have the outer hub off but haven't found what is still holding the rotor on the truck. I see 4, star head bolts (size ?) on the rear of the housing around the axel, is that holding it all together? I have removed the 1 11/16" nut from what appears to be the end of the axel and expected the rotor to come off but no such luck. I have done quite a few brake jobs in the past just not on dodge trucks.



Any quick help is appreciated

 

[illflem]

Just remove the four star bolts, they take a 12 point socket, I forget what size. Then slide the rotor with the unit bearing off the axle shaft, pound the wheel studs out with a copper hammer to replace the rotor. Sounds easy but the axle shaft is usually rusted in, spray it with penetrating oil and pound it with your copper hammer. It's best to leave a couple of the star bolts partially in so you don't pull the axle shaft out, risking cutting the seal with the splined end, this step is VERY important, you really don't want to have to replace the axle seal. Many times the axle shaft is really stuck and you may have to resort to a puller or a torch to heat the shaft. Sometimes you end up pulling the bearing apart, some have put it back together with success, others aren't so lucky.

 

[Extreme1]

While you have it all apart, you might want to replace the u-joint and ball joints. The hardest part is getting the bearing out of the spindle without wrecking anything.

 

[sdisorbo]

Front Rotor Nut Removal

" I have removed the 1 11/16" nut from what

appears to be the end of the axel and expected

the rotor to come off but no such luck. "



I just purchased a 1 11/16 socket so that I can change my fromt rotors, but when I made the first attempt I could not get the nut off.



Yes I pulled the cotter pin out and used angle iron to lock the rotor to the ground, but as I stepped on the wench I saw the rotor move, but no luck on the nut. Do I need and air impach driver?



Any ideas?



Reply here or to -- email address removed --.



Thanks.

 

[illflem]

Unfortunately DC doesn't use antiseize on the large nut during assembly, there have been folks who have taken the threads off the axle along with the nut because they are galled together. Try soaking it overnight with penetrating oil, use real penetrating oil, it is different than WD-40 etc. Put the tire back on with the rig on the ground to keep everything from turning while you break the nut lose. An impact may help due to the hammer action. Last resort is to heat the nut, but that doesn't always get it either. Good luck

 

[bighammer]

Break the nut loose before you jack up the truck. The wheel keeps everything else from turning.

 

[Bill Littlefield]

Link might help

Try this link. It might help if you don't have an owners manual. Keep in mind, it's for a '95 truck and some differences probably exist.



https://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=20761



There is a similar titled link for reassebly instructions but you may not need it.



Bill