The rear brake rotor of my '97 XK8 is corroded onto the hub. I've tried penetrating oil, heat and a hammer with no success. The heat was one of those propane bottles from Home Depot. Not sure if a hotter torch would make a difference. I'd rather not cut it off with a grinding disc if there is an alternative. The rotor itself is fine. The emergency brake inside has seemingly come apart and is rattling.
Anyone have any suggestions?

 

Did you back off the Parking Brake adjuster before trying to remove the brake disc?



If you're not familiar with the setup, the Parts Catalogue makes the Parking Brake adjuster a little clearer:



The adjuster has to be backed right off or the disc is held firmly on the hub by the Parking Brake shoes. The rattling could be one of the springs come loose as you've been hammering to try and free the disc.

Graham

 

+1 on releasing the park brake tension.

A trick I have used is to put a 3/8 socket extension into the vent and use it like a handle for more leverage.

 

Sometimes you just need a bigger hammer

Use a good sized hammer (a short handled sledge hammer) and keep rotating the disk as you hammer.

 

I got this sneak pic of WhiteXKR troubleshooting his latest project:



Graham

 

You can try using a mapp gas handheld torch. It will get hotter than just propane and you should be able to buy one from home depot.

I have also heard you can try putting the wheel on loosely and then try moving the car backwards and forwards and then slam on the brakes. There is usually a little bit of rotational play between the rotor and wheel studs with the wheel usually holding it in place. If you loosen the wheel the rotor should be able to rotate a bit and the brakes may break it loose.

Never tried it so have no idea whether it would work.

 

Hi there. I recently replaced all four rotors, and encountered some of them being stuck as well. I used a crowbar wedged in between the rotor itself and the solid chunk of steel that holds the caliper in place. One solid pull on the good length crowbar and everything goes .
Be careful not to damage the caliper bolt holes.
Good Luck!

 

One other trick is to simply loosen the lug nuts, then as the car rolls, hit the brakes hard. The shock is usually enough to unstick a rotor.

Obviously, don't go more than a few feet or very fast.