Does anybody have experience removing the rotors from a 2000 S40? I removed the brake calipers, but the rotors don't budge (even with a rubber mallet). There's a large hex nut (about 1.5" diameter) in the middle. Does this need to be removed first?

The caliper is a pain to get off because to replace the pads you need a special tool to turn the calipers back in.Then there is 2 more screws that hold the caliper bracket to the rear axle assy.Yes those allen head screws have to be removed before the rotors will come off.

Thanks!

Couple of follow-ups. To turn the calipers back in, are you just referring to pushing the piston back out, or is there something else I'm missing?

Also, do you know what that huge hex nut on the front of the wheel assemble is for?

Thanks again.

You need a special tool that turns the rear caliper piston and pushes it in at the same time.The front caliper piston you can just push in.The big hex nut on the front like in the center of the rotor is to hold the front axle into the hub assembly.You do not need to remove it to replace the rotors.

has anyone replaced the pads and rotors without that 'special tool' that turns the piston and pushes it in at the same time? why does the piston have to be turned in the first place?

Inside the caliper is a ratcheting assy. that the emergancy brake uses for self adjustment.Im not sure if you have a Harbor Freight store near you but some times they have a sale on the tool and it comes with about 4-5 diffrent adapters for diffrent cars.Most of the time if it is on sale it is like $20.00 for the tool.I think the Auto Parts stores sell them to but not sure how much from them.

Hi,

My S40 has the allen screw (only one) to remove the rotor. I did remove it and the rotor still doesn't budge. Could it be that it is just that stuck ?? I was also thinking that the axle nut (32mm?) was holding it on(even though I have never seen that in any other car I changed brakes on).

Also, a guy that serviced my brakes before said that I had had a frozen caliper, but I was able to turn the wheels freely. Does that mean he was just trying to sell me new calipers?

Any help would be greatly appreciated !! Thanks. Ron.

Yes most likely the rotor is stuck.

Did you try turning the caliper back yet?
If it is frozen then you won't be able to turn it back.