2008 X5 (E70) Right Rear Rotor Stuck

[omasou]

Some history. I previously changed the rear brake pads and rotors, which were stuck on like glue but managed to get them off.

I changed the D/S rear brake pads and rotors this time with no problem. Rotor pulled right off.

I then go to the P/S, everything was going fine until I get to the rotor.

What I have done.

1. I removed the brake rotor screw
2. I manually disengage the parking brake w/the orange tool by pulling up on the manual release on the D/S in the trunk
3. I used some rust remover

I have the rear of the rotor loose but I cannot tap the front of the rotor b/c of the backing plate is in the way.

I tried using the orange tool to put the car in neutral (by unlocking the transmission) but I cannot spin the rotor? The rotor is still catching on the front side. I think on the inner brake pads. I cannot rotate the rotor and or hub to gain access through the bolt hole to loosen the inner pads.

How can I get the rear rotor/hub to freewheel?

I cannot start the car b/c I am afraid of pushing on the brakes and pushing the brake piston or driving the car off the jack stand.

Any ideas?

[omasou]

UPDATE

Last night I manually pulled the parking brake and put the car in neutral and could not turn the rotor or hub.

This morning I was going to put the rear wheel back for added torque but it was hard enough to see in the bolt hole to look for the parking brake adjustment screw without adding additional depth. So I tried an idea from a different forum member first. I backed out the wheel bolts far enough for my largest pry bar to clear the hub lip. I manually pulled the parking brake and attempted to turn the rotor or hub. No go. I again put the car in neutral and also pushed down the ebrake in the car for good measure. The D/S wheel was still on the ground and the rotor bolted to the hub turned!!!! I aligned one of the wheel bolt holes w/the parking brake adjuster, backed it off and pulled the rotor off w/o any persuasion.

Lessons Learned

Never ever turn the car on or attempt to otherwise put the car in neutral without the wheel bolts through the rotor and threaded into the hub!!! This is what started my entire adventure. When I started the car and put it in neutral the parking brake shoes held the rotor and the hub rotated under it and blocked access to the threaded wheel bolt holes in the hub! Which also meant that I could not put the wheel back on and severely limited my options!

BTW, I used an old brake pad and clamped it to the caliper so that I could apply the brakes, start the car and put it in neutral w/o shooting the piston out of the caliper.

Not sure why it did not work the first 10 times but it did eventually work.

[Ryan5034]

Interesting problem. The parking brake in internal to the rotor right?

[omasou]

Originally Posted by Ryan5034

Interesting problem. The parking brake in internal to the rotor right?

Yes.