2003 Dodge Stratus Rotors

2003 DODGE STRATUS
81,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • MANUAL
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GTAYLOR1823
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I have a 2003 Dodge Stratus SXT Coupe. Its a 4 Cylinder and I have a problem getting the brake rotors off. I can take the caliper off completely with no problems then when I get to the rotors I can't remove them. I see like a cotter pin that can be removed and then I thought it should slide off after a few taps. What can I do to get those rotors off? My breaks are squealing like crazy!
Thank you so much
Sep 18, 2009 at 8:33 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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If you have removed the brake caliper and adapter from the knuckle and removed the clips that retain the rotor to the wheel stud then it is ready to remove. It still seems stuck at this point? Bang on it with a rubber headed mallet, it will loosen up eventually and slide off.
Sep 18, 2009 at 9:13 PM
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GTAYLOR1823
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Okay so that knuckle/nut thing that the cotter pin is in needs to come off? Because I can't get that off because the rotor keeps rotating. Not sure how I can get it off and keep it from moving at the same time.
Thank you
Sep 18, 2009 at 9:41 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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the cotter pin needs to come out, not the nut itself.
Sep 18, 2009 at 9:51 PM
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GTAYLOR1823
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Ok so take the pin out, I tried tapping on the rotor along the inside circle of it but it didn't budge. Do I need to hit it harder? I don't want to damage anything but it needs to come off because it is sort of cracked. I don't know when the rotors were last changed on the car. If I just need to hit it harder and it be okay then I'll do it.

Just to make sure I'm clear:
Caliper pins are out and break pads come out.
Caliper itself comes off completely
Cotter pin comes off and the rotor should come off
Thanks alot for your advice
Sep 18, 2009 at 10:07 PM
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BLUELIGHTNIN6
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Yep you got. Use a rubber headed mallet though and aim in between the lug studs.
Sep 18, 2009 at 10:09 PM