I'm in the middle of replacing the driver side front wheel bearing on my '97 Elantra. I read in the Haynes manual and on here that they need to be pressed out and new ones pressed back in.. fine, I have already found a local machine shop I can bring the knuckle assembly to, and I have the knuckle disconnected from the control arm and strut.

I thought I might take the rotor off too. I see it is held on to the hub with 4 bolts. Is it possible to remove the bolts and then get the rotor off without a machine press? I have read conflicting reports on this. (If you do need a press, doing a break job will be depressing to say the least.)

(Also, I was surprised to see the way the rotor was held onto the hub. Every other FWD car I have owned, the rotor has popped off by just removing the wheel and the caliper.)

 

If I recall, it's nothing special on the Elantra. I didn't actually remove the rotor, but I think it was just a typical assembly, with the wheel studs holding in place.

On the Accent however, it's a different assembly which requires special tools.

 

Yes, the wheel studs seem to be attached to the hub. So if I removed the 4 rotor bolts, it should just pop off the hub? I'll give it a try. If I hope that's the case, because when its time to do pads and rotors, I don't want to have to take the entire knuckle apart! Thanks.

 

The rotors are pressed in. Have someone do them along with the bearings. Good luck.