I’ve just done the brakes for the first time on my r56 and had the usual struggle with the torx rotor retention screw. i went through all the usual procedures but ultimately ended up cutting the head off with an angle grinder and ground the remaining stud flush with the hub face.

My my plan is to reassemble the brakes without the retention screw at all. Just wondering if that’s something anybody else has done?

tia,

sani

 

done all the time ..... that screw just holds the rotor in place while the wheel is off. Be careful that the rotor stays seated properly while you get the wheel on and you're fine.

 

Thanks. I did the brake job yesterday and figured ‘it would be fine’ but overnight I wondered if that would be a case of famous last words!


sani

 

The screws aren't necessary, however I learned to replace when new with stainless steel ones . Just makes it easier when I take the wheels off.

 

Good idea, I had the same thought. However after the trials and tribulations of getting the old rotor off I just left the cut stud in the hub. Net brake job I’ll drill it out and replace with a normal screw. Interestingly the rotor screw on the other side came out just fine with a pb plast soak, couple of sledge hammer hits, and a blow torch.


Sani

 

Knowing this was going to be a problem, I put high temp anti-seize on those screws/bolts and just snugged them down a little. Unfortunately, the dealer had to do some work on one wheel and tightened the screw down with all the force they could. Now I only have screws that work perfectly on 3 wheels. Thanks a lot dealership.

 

Have not done the brakes on my JCW yet but with other cars I always replaced the screw or screws that hold the rotors in place. A dab of high temperature grease on the threads and just barely snug, hand tight snug, is all that is necessary. The screws only hold the rotor on when the wheel is removed.

I would not do the brakes and not use the rotor retaining screws. The last thing you want is the rotor falling off and falling to the ground. Even if the rotor missed your foot (or the foot of a tech replacing the tires) this will almost certainly damage possibly ruin the rotor.

 

The rotor won’t fall off it’s retained by the pads and caliper.


Sani