Can the rotor safely be removed with allen head sockets and a long ratchet or is it necessary to use an impact wrench on them. I ask because I read about the procedure on the GS racer's corner page and the author makes it clear that impact wrench is needed in order to not round off the bolt heads.
Anyone had experience with this?
Thanks,
Adam
impact would be easier, but i have used allen sockets/ratchet :)
As a "budget impact wrench", I've used a socket wrench, with the handle inserted into a metal pipe... then bang on the metal pipe with a hammer to create the "impacts." Hovewer, I haven't had any luck trying to hammer on a pipe around an allen key: the allen key seems to flex quite a bit, and doesn't transmit the impact very well.
heat the bolts up with propane torch for about 5-10 sec before you try to break them loose, seems the factory puts locktight on the threds, and they can be a mother to get loose, no, do not use an impact, use a pipe extension on a ratchet and have someone hold the wheel, slow steady pressure make sure your on the bolt straight, NO angles to the wrench or you will strip it out.
Impact wrench! Steady pressure unless its enough to overcome the tension on the bolts will cause the flats to round or sheer the heads off!
If you have a good hex socket, breaker bar and extension, groovie. But if you try with a regular ratchet you may be paying to have them taped out
(and that sucks).