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I've got a 2013 BMW 335i with M-Sport options. It prompted this question but the issue (and probably the solutions) are not unique to it.

Like many such vehicles, the rear brakes are part drum, part disc. Specifically, the rotor is shaped like a top hat, and the main disc is the brim of the hat, while the parking brake shoes operate on the inside of the main part of the hat. The problem is that the inside of that "hat" and the hub on which it sits often rust together making it very difficult to remove the rotor to replace the parking brake shoes. I have seen that there are some aftermarket rotors which appear to have paint applied to the inside surface, but it's not entirely clear.

My question

Is there a way to make this easier to disassemble next time? Could I paint the hub surface and/or the inside of the rotor? Would high temperature anti-seize grease be appropriate here? Or should I just clean things up and reassemble as is? I had to use my biggest gear puller to get these off this time and was concerned that I might take a chunk out of the edge of the rotor. There must be an easier way...

Rear brake with rotor attached

rear brake with rotor attached

Rear brake with rotor removed

rear brake with rotor removed

Edward
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2 Answers2

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I always put a very thin coat of copper grease on the mating surfaces and also on the mating surface between the rotor and the alloy wheel.

Only a small amount is needed and you want to make sure that there isn’t too much that can run onto the rotor friction area even when hot.

HandyHowie
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On most vehicles, any holes other than those used for wheel studs that you find on a rotor or drum, have been put there so that you can simply screw in a bolt to remove the rotor or drum. No sweat, drama, or heavy equipment necessary. There may be exceptions.

Edwin Torres
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