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1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP

Posted By: 3wracing

1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 09/30/17 02:01 PM

Does anyone have any tricks or ideas to make changing brake rotors on a 97 2500 4wd less painfull. The 4 12 point bolts are rusted and having a hard time getting them out. Does the spindle have to be removed ? Ifso how is that done ? Thanks for any help
Posted By: Guitar Jones

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/01/17 03:18 AM

No easy way. Soak the bolts and all around the knuckle with a good rust penetrant and let it sit for 24 hours. Spray it periodically while it's sitting.

I have used longer bolts to hammer on to get the hub and bearing assembly moving without mushrooming the original 12 point bolt heads. You could use heat but it will ruin the bearing seals so plan on replacing the bearings then.

Either Snap On or Mac made a tool that would press them out when you turned the steering wheel to the full lock position but I never really had a need for it as I live in Florida.
Posted By: ruderunner

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/01/17 06:55 PM

If things are that Rusty, just plan on new bearings and bolts as well. Once it's all apart, clean the bores and antiseize the snot out of everything.

On some trucks I've been able to get a long punch to catch the edge of the bearing through the opening under the caliper.

I've seen people use a hub puller but it usually pulls the bearings apart.

I did once have to torch the rotor apart then burn the ends of the bolts out of the bearing.
Posted By: Grizzly

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/02/17 02:27 AM

Originally Posted By Guitar Jones


I have used longer bolts to hammer on to get the hub and bearing assembly moving without mushrooming the original 12 point bolt heads. You could use heat but it will ruin the bearing seals so plan on replacing the bearings then.


That's a great idea, thanks Guitar. I've been loosening the bolts a half inch and beating on them with a waste socket to drive the hub out. Bit of a tricky maneuver, will use your way next time. up
Posted By: cdstl

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/03/17 02:52 AM

Hey James, good talking to you. This is the technique that I used to remove the hub on 2 different trucks. You have to be careful not to damage the 12 point bolt head.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O6-wYeMdHM


Your problem, though, is removing the 2 bolts that hold the caliper bracket mount to the steering knuckle. There are 2 12 point bolts that are larger than the 4 12 point bolts that hold the hub/axle assembly in place.

I usually have been able to get an impact onto those caliper bracket bolts and out they come.

1500 and 2500 caliper bracket and hub assembly removal is the same.
Posted By: sthemi

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/03/17 10:43 AM

On my 01 Ram 1500 4x4 the rotor would not come off the hub bearing.. at all, tried all types of lube and heat, no go..
Rented an enormous puller from the local rental place, and that got enough leverage to break the the outer brake pad surface away from the offset center of the rotor. Now it was a two piece rotor.
A few more hits with a really BIG hammer and I finally got the remainder of the center of the rotor off.
I now own a larger tub of anti-seize.
The hub bearing removal method in the video is what I also used... they are not coming out either...
Posted By: Grizzly

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/03/17 04:18 PM

A little souvenir I keep to remind me to never do the power steering "trick" again. If my memory is correct I paid $27.00 for a new bolt.

Attached picture DSCN1669.JPG
Posted By: savoy64

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/03/17 08:29 PM

dont know it this translates to the 1/2 ton--but my son advised me to find 2001 newer knuckle/brake setups for the 96 cummins to make for an easier job...
Posted By: cdstl

Re: 1997 ram 2500 4wd front brake rotor change HELP - 10/04/17 03:25 AM

Originally Posted By Grizzly
A little souvenir I keep to remind me to never do the power steering "trick" again. If my memory is correct I paid $27.00 for a new bolt.


How far did you back the bolt out before you did the "power steering trick"? It looks like you had it out all of the way and used it against the axle.

You only back them out about 3/8" of an inch at a time and use a socket with an extension between the bolt head and against the axle.

I will say, though, that the likelihood of buggering up the 12 point head is pretty high. I pulled some bolts out of the salvage yard before doing the second truck.
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