How To Remove The Brake Rotors On My Honda Accord

Reader Question

Austin,

It’s been about a year since I last corresponded with you. I pray you’re doing well? I’ve always appreciated the advice you’ve provided to my questions and I have one I need to ask of you. I have a 2006 Accord on which I need to change both front rotors. Each rotor is being held in place by two pan-head bolts. I tried removing the bolts by hand. But, no success. I did some research and saw where people had success using a hand impact driver. Is that the route you would suggest? Also saw one mechanic mention that in addition to using the impact driver he used two ball peen hammers by initially striking the one with the other (flat side to flat side) with the peen end striking the head of the screw if the driver doesn’t initially move the bolt.

Is this something you would suggest as well? Also, what size drive would you suggest (3/8″ or 1/2″). Also, do you see any difference between the K-D, Lisle and Klien makes? I can get the Lisle product for a pretty good price. So, unless you felt one was vastly superior, I’ll probably go with the Lisle. Finally, even if I get a driver which includes a couple of Phillips bits would you suggest purchasing some additional bits?

As always, I greatly appreciate your thoughtful advice.

Blessings to you and your family.

Rob

Hey Robert, thanks for the kind words.

Honestly…….being blunt here, I would take the vehicle to a mechanic and have them take the rotors off for you. You can supply them with the brake pads and new rotors from your local auto parts store. There are shops around me that will allow customers to do this and just pay labor fees. I would bet $50-$75 would cover it on a slow day where they are looking for work. Beats buying tools and spending time trying to get the rotors off….without breaking something else! You might be able to walk in to a fast lube place on a sloooooowwww day with $20 in your hands cash and get them to install your rotors for you. You don’t need a receipt, so its just a cash tip to them.

That’s my recommendation.

Now, if you still want to do it yourself, Lisle makes great tools, and yes using an impact driver should help out. We use 1/2 inch drives, but 3/8 will probably do the job as well.

Take care

Blessings,
Austin Davis