The front rotors on the 1996 Buick Century are "knock-off" rotors, meaning they do not require the removal or pressing of wheel bearings to remove them. They are simply placed onto the hub assembly of the axle and when it comes time to remove them, all that needs to be done is removing the caliper first. However, many regions in North America that experience inclement weather will find these type of "knock-off" rotors rusted/stuck to the hub assembly. There is a significant difference to remove the stuck rotors if they're being replaced or machined.
Instructions
- 1
Apply the parking brake on the Buick Century and then place the wheel wedges in front and behind one of the rear wheel tires.
2Remove the hub cap(s) and then loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel(s) with a tire iron.
3Lift the Century with a jack and support the car onto a jack stand placed under the front frame rail. Repeat this for the other side if removing both rotors. Remove the lug nuts and wheel(s).
4Spray the center of the hub to rotor mating surface liberally with the penetrating lubricant around the full circumference.
5Remove the caliper bolts with the ratchet and a 3/8-inch Allen socket bit. Remove the caliper and pads assembly and hang it from the front coil spring with a caliper hanger or a wire coat hanger bent in the shape of an S.
6Put on the safety glasses and strike the rotor from behind with the sledge hammer if replacing it. Turn the rotor 1/4 turn between each blow. If necessary, turn the ignition key a half turn to unlock the steering wheel and turn the wheel all the way so the front of the rotor protrudes outward and makes it easier to strike with the hammer. Continue until the rotor breaks free from the hub.
7Apply the three-pronged drum/rotor removal tool (if reusing the rotor) so the hooks on the prongs sit against the inboard side of the rotor and the driving bore is against the hub. Tighten the hex-head of the bore with the ratchet and socket or a wrench until the removal tool breaks the rotor free from the hub.
