Easiest way to stop rotor spinning to torque axle nut

What is the easiest way to stop the rotor from spinning in order to torque the axle nut 173 ft/lbs? Stepping on brakes won't do. E.g. will I break a screwdriver if I stick it in a corrugated slot in the rotor and have a person hold it in place while I am torquing?

 

pop it into 4x4

 

The engine is not runnable at present and the vehicle is on jackstands

 

Stick a sturdy screw driver into the rotor against the caliper to stop the rotor turning.

 

I put a large prybar through the lugs and rest the handle on a jackstand.

 

don't need engine to do that, as long as the battery is hooked up it should work.

 

Yeah I was thinking something along those lines but didn't want to break my sturdy screwdriver

 

Hold the CV shaft with a pipe wrench

 

I like this idea. I am a little worried about breaking a lug with 173 ft/lbs to torque

 

I think that would work nicely with a lower torque. Not sure about 173 ft/lbs

 

That's how I torque axle nuts at work, you won't hurt the studs as long as you keep it right up against the rotor.

 

Here is how I do it.
Take note of the 2 lug nuts on the studs. This is to not damage threads on the stud.

 

Be careful foam. Some of the guys helping you out here are actual professional mechanics. I'd hate to see you relying on them

 

I’m not one of them.

I will be honest and say, don’t think for a second I wouldn’t jam a big screwdriver in one of vanes on the rotor

I don’t like to, but in a pinch. Yes, I’ve done it. (I’m a hack)

 

Hold the lugs with your teeth.

 

Have someone press the brake pedal or force it down with a brick or something.

 

I don’t know, is @6 gearT444E qualified to do that.
If so, I bet he’d be more than happy to help.

 

Everyone here is overcomplicating this. The screwdriver through the rotor against the caliper is the easiest method. Don't worry about breaking the screw driver unless your screwdriver is made out of plastic. you can even use a long bolt, or a 1/4 extension. You're not gonna break anything with 173 torque

 

Jack handle on the brake pedal and lodged into the steering wheel, or bolt the wheel back on without the center cap and set the tire on the ground. Torque the nut, jack the tire back up and remove the wheel to finish install. Easy.

 

There is a potential to bend the screwdriver in such a way it gets stuck in the rotor.
You can get it out, eventually.
The key is to use a good screwdriver. I just don’t like that method. Personal preference I guess?