How to Remove Rear Brake Rotor

[JV3421]

User of a 1997 Avalon XLS, 113700 miles to date.
Recently my Rear Right Brake Caliper got seized which took a while for me to realize that problem and all that time I was driving usually.
When I drive more than 40mph, it will feel as if the rear right tire is having some bulge and that gives a vibration.
So I removed the Caliper, rebuilt it myself and put back for use. Now that when I brake I feel the same vibration but much lesser degree before the caliper rebuild.
I feel my rotor is warped by the seized caliper & my combined driving during that time.
Now I want to replace the R Right rotor.

I tried using the 14mm socket wrench that I used to remove the caliper to remove the Caliper mount / Brake pad holding assembly bracket also.
[This bracket is the one that holds the Pads, has only two HEX bolts]

To tell clearly my problem, please refer to the picture in Step 5 in the following URL
http://www.2carpros.com/how_to/how_t...ace_brakes.htm
[These pictures are not of Avalon, but very close]

The picture in Step 5 shows three arrows. The Bolts shown by right side 2 arrows, in that, I have removed the bottom one using the 14mm socket & wrench.
But my problem is with the top one there is no enough room for me to use the 14mm socket with wrench. The Struts/shocks assembly is restricting the room for wrench.
I request you TN users, to tell me how to remove the top bolt also.
Is there any specific tool I should use to remove the top bolt.
Any help / web URL / pictures would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[JV3421]

Could anyone please reply on this? Thanks.

[BMR]

Use an extension. About 6 inches works. Also, I use my 3/8" drive socket/wrench instead of 1/2". It's easier to get the smaller socket into that tight spot.

[new echo owner]

If you are still having problem, try removing the caliper first, then remove the bracket; with the caliper out of the way, it will give you a little bit more room. I usually use a 14mm universal socket with a 6" extension and a 1/2" ratchet or an impact wrench.

N.E.O.

[JV3421]

Thanks BMR & N.E.O. I will try the options you told. I am just waiting for a warm weather.
Also, N.E.O. I removed the caliper & hung it using a bungee cord before going to the bracket bolts.
I happily removed the bottom bolt, but got into problem when trying the top one.
I did try just only the 14mm Socket which sits perfectly on the HEX bolt head and the universal joint but in a bent position which would not give me a leverage to turn the HEX bolt. Then I lost my patience. Weather was also so worse, which I was not able to withstand. And posted this SOS call to you TN users asking for a specific tool or way to remove the top HEX bolt on the bracket.
Anyways thanks once again, will try that and let you know.

[new echo owner]

I have also use a long offset box end wrench to loosen those up. Another choice would be a six point 14mm socket with a long handle ratchet either 3/8" drive or 1/2" drive. A ratchet with a pivot head would work better than a universal joint. Spray some penetrating oil on the bolt and let it soak for a little bit may help too.

N.E.O.

[omairtheman1]

just did this yesterday... i used a long snap on ratchet 1/2'' and a 14 mm and just applied gradual pressure but first you have to remove caliper in order to see clearly

[JV3421]

Hi All,

I finally replaced the Rotor yesterday. Thanks to each one of you for suggesting me the various working options. For my problem of removing the top bolt for the bracket, I too used the 14mm Socket but Deep one.
The details are,
1. GearWrench 80396 - 6 Pt. Deep Socket METRIC 14mm
[Size 14 mm, Drive Size 3/8"]
More Spec on this 80396 can be found on http://www.gearwrench.com/catalog/ra...sp?view=Metric

{I am providing the following complete tool list for the sake of completeness my thread }

2. 14mm Socket shortest & Drive Size 3/8" - would be used for removal of caliper & bottom bolt of bracket

3. WD 40 Spray small can

4. New pair of Brake pads from Toyota just because I changed the rotor, I decided to replace the brake pads as well - costs $ 52

5. Brake parts lubricant (non-seize, high temperature) Do not go for big packs like 3M's brake lubricant which would cost $20, instead go for tiny packs of the same type lubricants at auto parts stores for one dollar a pack. You would require one pack per wheel

6. New Rotor, Cheapest one is around $34

7. Brake Parts cleaning Spray which is required for spraying on the new Rotor Surface to remove the glaze. If glaze is not removed upon braking you might get smoke until all the glaze are gone.

Thanks to all, once again for patiently reading & responding for my query.

[new echo owner]

Great you have everything worked out. How about some pics on what you had done?

N.E.O.