How to Take off the Rotor on a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT

The front brake rotors on a 1997 Ford Explorer XLT are a part of the braking system. As the brake pads wear down, so do the brake rotors, and they replacement or resurfacing. Doing so is not a complicated process, and it should take about one hour. It does not require any special tools or equipment.

Instructions

1

Park the Explorer on a level surface and turn off its ignition. Loosen the lug nuts, using a tire iron. Raise the Ford Explorer with the jack and raise jack stands to the frame to support the vehicle. Remove the lug nuts and the wheels. Move them away from your workspace.

2

Remove the anchor plate-to-steering knuckle bolts that hold the brake caliper to the steering knuckle, using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Hang the caliper from the underside of the vehicle with the mechanics wire, ensuring the brake line does not twist or kink up.

3

Pull the wheel hub off the front of the rotor. Remove the rotors center bolt with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Remove the rotor from the vehicle.

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How to Change a Rotor on a Ford F 150

Rotors are often overlooked during the replacement of the brakes on a vehicle. The Ford F150 uses front rotors and rear drum brakes on most models. This article will address the front rotors only, as this is the configuration found on most trucks.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the truck with a floor jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Be sure the stands are under the frame and are not going to slide or move.

2

Remove the front tires from the truck, using a socket and breaker bar to remove the lug nuts. Set the lug nuts aside for use later when you replace the tires.

3

Locate the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper. Remove both bolts with an Allen wrench and lift off the caliper. Support the caliper with a piece of string or wire so that it does not hang on the rubber brake hose.

4

Locate and remove the two bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle that hold the mounting bracket for the caliper onto the knuckle. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts. Remove the bracket and set it aside.

5

Slide the rotor off the wheel studs. Once it is free from the studs you can set it aside and slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs.

6

Reinstall the brake pad mounting bracket and tighten the two bolts, with a socket and torque wrench. The torque specification is different from year to year, so you will need to check with the dealer to get the right specification for your truck.

7

Insert the brake caliper back into the mounting bracket and install the two bolts that hold it. Tighten the bolts with an Allen wrench until snug. Do not over-tighten these bolts or you may strip the heads on them, making them very hard to remove later.

8

Install the wheel and tire back on the truck and thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Tighten with a lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers specification.

9

Remove the jack stands from under the frame and slowly lower the truck back to the ground, using your jack. Test the brakes before driving the truck on the road.

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How do I Remove the Rear Rotor on a 300ZX

The rotors on your 300ZX are an essential part of the brake system. As you depress the brake pedal, the brake pads grasp onto the rotors to effectively stop the car. Badly worn rotors will produce a hard grinding sound every time the brakes are applied. Defective rotors will also increase the cars overall stopping distance. You can remove the passenger or drivers side rear rotor with a few tools right at home. If it requires replacement, you should always replace the corresponding rotor as well.

Instructions

1

Place a wheel block in the front of both driver and passengers side front tires.

2

Loosen the lug nuts on the rear drivers side tire a half turn counterclockwise with a lug wrench. Raise the 300ZX just in front of the tire with a hydraulic jack. Place a jack stand on the left of the hydraulic jack to help support the weight of the car. The bottom of the tire should be no more than 8 inches from the ground.

3

Remove the lug nuts and slide the tire off the wheel studs. Roll the tire to the side of your work area and place the lug nuts with the tire so you dont lose them.

4

Remove the two bolts at the rear of the brake caliper that hold it in place on the mounting bracket with your socket wrench. If you look at the caliper, you should see four other bolts. Do not remove them because they hold the brake caliper together.

5

Place a 5-gallon bucket right next to the brake caliper within the wheel well. Lift the brake caliper--only--off the mounting bracket and set it down on the bucket. Do not remove the brake pads from the bracket.

6

Rotate the caliper piston clockwise with a pair of 12-inch adjustable pliers. It has to completely retract back down into the bore hole on the brake caliper. Once it has been fully retracted remount the caliper back over the brake pads.

7

Return both of the brake calipers mounting bolts by hand to assure proper threading. Set your 3/8-inch drive torque wrench to 35 foot-lbs. and secure both of the bolts in place.

8

Remove the two inner upper and lower mounting bracket bolts with your socket wrench. Lift the entire assembly with the caliper attached, off the rotor and set it down on the bucket. The mounting bracket connects to the steering knuckle and is what the brake pads were sitting in when you had the caliper removed.

9

Remove the rotor by pulling it toward you evenly off the wheel studs.

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