How do you change front rotors on a 1997 Honda Accord LX?

OK here's the deal on taking off the rotors on a 1997 Honda Accord. If you google "take apart 1997 Honda Accord front rotors" you will get a load of responses. The listed options include the first two discribed below.

These sites give two different options to take off the rotor, both invovle removing the hub with the wheel studs on it to get to the rotor.

#1, there is a tool that you can buy just for this purpose. If you are a shop and plan to do this time after time it might be cost effective to buy this thing. After checking out the (almost $200) tool to remove the hub and planned on only doing it once, I figured there might be another way.GDT5 1990-1997 Honda Accord Rotor/Hub Remover

Features: The GDT5 simply mounts to the hub using the lug nuts and with a turn of the lift bolt, the hub and rotor are removed . The GDT5 works without any hammering or removing any suspension parts, not even the axle. • Fastest , easiest way possible - 1/4 of the book time • No suspension parts to remove - saves time and money • No hammering of any kind - will not damage bearings • No need to press out of knuckle - save time and money • No other tool like it on the market - saves time and money • Also works on some Acura models

Price: $191.70

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#2, this site diagrams a suggested route of extraction that includes removing the complete steering arm and hub assembly to access the bolts behind the axel hub. In this diagram it shows how the hub assembly comes apart.

Removing Honda Accord Brake Rotors

Q. I have a 1997 Honda Accord. I'd rather not pay $100 or more to have my rotors turned, so I need to find out how I can take them off myself and have them turned at a local service station. Do you need a special tool in order to do this? I heard that some Hondas required a special tool in order to do this. Any way around this, or do you know where I could buy/rent such tool? I've already tried using another tool and the rotor absolutely will not come off.

Thanks for your help!

A. The only special tool you will need is a ball joint fork to separate the upper and lower ball joints. You have to remove the whole steering knuckle assembly to get to the bolts in back of the rotor and hub assembly.

#3, My way. Since the hub and steering arm come apart anyway, there is no need to remove the entire assembly OR the 4 bolts on the back of it.

First, remove the wheel and tire. Next, using an impact tool with correct size socket, remove the large axel nut to free up the hub and rotor. Next, remove the 4 14mm bolts on the hub face to free it from the rotor. Next, behind the rotor there are 2 17mm bolts that hold the brake caliper in place, remove those and secure the caliper out of the way. Next, take a pickle fork tool for removing ball joints and position it between the rotor and outer hub. Finally, take a LARGE hammer (like 2 or thee pounds) and hammer the tool between the hub and rotor. Move from one side to the other and losen it as you go. This takes a bit of aggressive beating but it will come apart.

Put it back together.

First grease the inner bearings. Next, put the new rotor on. Next, put the hub assembly back into the bearing hole and using the socket for removing the axel nut, tap it back into place. It goes in easier than it comes out. Do yourself a favor and put new brake pads on at the same time to start fresh and new. Everthing else is pretty much the reverse of taking it apart from there.

Good luck, with a little patience and large hammer this will work.