seanl

I started out this morning with the intention of change both my front rotors and putting in new pads--I'm on the original rotors (96K miles) and they're pretty warped from use.


Should be an easy job, right?

It turns out that there are 2 set screws holding each rotor flush on the hub. These philips head screws have never been off my car, 97 LS400 w/ 96K miles. I ended up stripping them and having to drill them out. I went to Lexus and picked up 4 new set screws, so I should be all set.

3 turned out fine, but the drill bit broke off on one screw (after the head came off) and is lodged (flush) in the hole with the remains of the screw. Not good.

I tried drilling it out again but my cheap drill bits won't eat into the broken bit.

What's the easier way to repair this bolt hole? Right now I only have 1 set screw keeping the rotor on....I know that the screws are not stressed fasteners, but Lexus put them there for a reason.

Interestingly enough, my Mustang Cobra has a similar brake and rotor/hub setup and there are no set screws holding the rotor flush on the hub, it's held in place by the wheel/lugs.

I priced out a new hub and it's ~$120, plus I think I'd need to get new bearings pressed in, which could cost another $50. I'd rather not spend close to $200 replacing the hub assy when all I really need it extract a screw and part of a drill bit.

any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

clark

The set screws really don't do anything except lightly hold the rotor in place. The set screws are sort of a convenience to hold the rotor in place when you remove and install the wheel. When you put the lug bolts on that is what holds the rotor firmly to the wheel. Leaving the set screws off is not a a safety issue.

bob2200

I agree with Clark, but I suppose another option is to take the hub to a auto machine shop.

seanl

Thanks guys....I pretty much thought that those two screws were there to hold the rotor in place when the caliper was removed, but they're not a critical fastener based on their size/length etc. There's no stress on them.

I'm not sweating it....

Regards,