URGENT...Calling all Mechanic's... Advice/Expertise Needed

[CoyoteCreekGuns]

Calling all Mechanics!!!

I was in the process of changing my break pads today on my 1993 Honda Accord, and as I was loosening the rear lug nuts on the drivers side, one broke off. The nut didn't just break the post broke... These posts are part of the hub assembly and the two Phillips screws that hold the rotor to the hub assembly are rusted on...

So here's my question(s):

1. Are these posts replaceable without replacing the entire hub assembly?
2. How do you suggest that I remove the rotor to hub screws?
3. Although not ideal by any means, after I get the brakes reassembled, is it possible to drive a some distance with only three of the 4 lug nuts tight?
4. What other suggestions would you have......

Thanks in advance!

[kstreeter]

not too familiar with the the details of hondas but the same thing happened to my moms van, the awesome thing was the person just went ahead and re-assembled it. Then, probably almost a year later I did her brakes again and I snapped another one off on the same wheel. I just took it apart and replaced both of them. Ideally you should have them pressed in and out, however you can pound them out with a hammer and I used the lug nut and an impact wrench to press it back in. Not too sure how to get the screws out, but yes you can drive on only three of the four, just don't go too far cause you never know what condition the other three are in. Good thing is that honda parts can be found almost anywhere and I'm pretty sure they are pretty cheap. Send me a PM if you need anymore help man

[JcJ]

Originally Posted by CoyoteCreekGuns

Calling all Mechanics!!!

I was in the process of changing my break pads today on my 1993 Honda Accord, and as I was loosening the rear lug nuts on the drivers side, one broke off. The nut didn't just break the post broke... These posts are part of the hub assembly and the two Phillips screws that hold the rotor to the hub assembly are rusted on...

So here's my question(s):

1. Are these posts replaceable without replacing the entire hub assembly?
2. How do you suggest that I remove the rotor to hub screws?
3. Although not ideal by any means, after I get the brakes reassembled, is it possible to drive a some distance with only three of the 4 lug nuts tight?
4. What other suggestions would you have......

Thanks in advance!

#1 - Yes, typically they are

#2 - Drill it out if the screw head is stripped. You only have to drill the head off, then once the rotor/drum is of you can usually remove the remaining part with vise-grips.

#3 - Technically, No, but I have done it plenty of times.

#4 - Your task is fairly easy depending on your mechanical experience.. My advise is go slow, if you aren't really sure of what you are about to do, STOP.. and keep asking questions..

[squarepeg]

I had a great reply typed up, then the page changed and lost it, attempt at round two:

Ahh yes, the great fun Honda brake job. The above comments sound right on. I did one on a buddies 91ish crx a couple years back.

He had only 3 out of 4 lugs on his rear wheel for a long time. You should be relatively safe.
As stated a drill works great to remove the screws holding the rotors on. Another option if the screws are not too badly corroded, is to use an impact screw driver. I think they are about $20- 30 at sears.

I think it was on the rear calipers we had some troubles. The Honda calipers are not like your normal type of calipers that you can push the piston back in with a clamp. The face of the piston had a cross shaped grove all the way across it. I don't mean a phillips head, but rater a groove that went the fill diameter of the piston. This was used to screw the piston back into the caliper. Not sure why it did this, it just did, we only knew about it because it was in his service manual. Maybe it had something to do with the parking brake, but .

Make sure you check the muffler bearing while you are down there. They tend last about the same amount of time that brakes do.

[indyjoe]

You can also apply a good penetrating lubricant made to loosen bolts. I know I have something that works great in the cabinet in the garage, but the name is escaping me. Possible Liquid Wrench... I love using rechargeable impact drivers for small stuck bolts. I purchased a 3/8" socket head for my Ridgid Impact Driver and it has gotten me out of jams. Make sure the phillips bit you are using is a good fit.

[Clay]

I dont know what you have at your disposal, and I dont know much about Hondas in general, but in most situations where you have a broken bolt, heat is your friend! Heating the broken bolt up cherry red will help to break loose any hold the corrosion has on that bolt.

[bwframe]

Originally Posted by indyjoe

You can also apply a good penetrating lubricant made to loosen bolts. I know I have something that works great in the cabinet in the garage, but the name is escaping me. Possible Liquid Wrench...

Blaster is what you want for this. The stuff does miracles with corrosion and stuck parts. Let it thoroughly soak in.

[purple72]

Use Break-Free. Sold at finer Walmarts in the sporting goods department.

[CoyoteCreekGuns]

Everyone,

Thanks for your ideas and comments... I had to drill through the screws, and now the issue is that there is not enough of the screw left to hold onto with vice grips... Any ideas? Oh and the screws are rusted on the other end as well so it's no surprise that they were frozen in there.

Also, the bolt that snapped (lug nut bolt) how do these come out of the hub? Napa said that they sold them separately but I have no idea of how to remove it? It too is rusted on the backside.

Thanks again!

[printcraft]

Originally Posted by CoyoteCreekGuns

Everyone,

Thanks for your ideas and comments... I had to drill through the screws, and now the issue is that there is not enough of the screw left to hold onto with vice grips... Any ideas? Oh and the screws are rusted on the other end as well so it's no surprise that they were frozen in there.

Also, the bolt that snapped (lug nut bolt) how do these come out of the hub? Napa said that they sold them separately but I have no idea of how to remove it? It too is rusted on the backside.

Thanks again!

1. Try an easy out, drill (very steadily) through the center of the screws. This will be a pain in the ass. Use heat and liquid wrench on the remaining screws.
If this does not work then use successively larger drills until only the threads remain and retap. Again a pain in the ass.

The lug should (should) be able to be knocked out from the front of
the hub. Use a heavy punch or socket and smack the front with a BFH.

You should be able to pick up a new stud and lugnut from the auto parts store.

Reinsert the new lug from the backside and use a stack of washers and
the lug nut to PULL the new lug into place. I can't see how much room you have behind the lug so you might need to pull the hub to insert the new stud. Pick up an extra lugnut incase you bugger it.