How to replace a front rotor for beginners?

DadsFordGirl · #1 08-17-2011, 07:25 PM

I've searched the site and haven't found a how to on this.

I've got a warped front rotor, definitely the passenger side.

I was wondering if someone could tell me exactly how to replace it in layman's terms.

Total noob here.

Thanks in advance.

For the record, I've already replaced the pads, but wasn't sure how to go about replacing the rotor and didn't have all day for trial and error.

vishous · #2 08-17-2011, 09:10 PM

if im not mistaken, remove caliper and caliper hanger then give the rotor a good wack to free it up and change it.

dixie_boysles · #3 08-17-2011, 09:15 PM

I think she will have to remove nut in behind dust over to get hers off. Also if I'm not mistaken, she will need to transfer bearings to new rotors or buy new bearings.

4x4s are the ones u just give the rotor a whack as they don't have hubs built in

klinger86 · #4 08-17-2011, 09:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dixie_boysles

I think she will have to remove nut in behind dust over to get hers off. Also if I'm not mistaken, she will need to transfer bearings to new rotors or buy new bearings.

4x4s are the ones u just give the rotor a whack as they don't have hubs built in

exactly.... pull the wheel off remove the caliper braket(sometimes you can remove the bracket and caliper as one piece) remove the dustcover from the end of the rotor remove carter pin and locking nut. remove nut and washer. then slide rotor off remove front bearing and sit on clean rag/cardboard remove ring on backside of rotor and then remove rear bearing... to put back together make sure you add new grease to bearings(if reusing old bearings) tap in seal on the rear of the rotor flip the rotor over and add a little bit of grease to the inside of the rotor. place rotor on spindle(make sure all the way back on the spindle) add grease to front bearing place bearing on spindle slide bearing inside rotor. place washer back on spindle screw nut til it stops against nut back it off 1/16th turn place locking nut over nut and then place new carter pin in the hole thru the spindle to hold it in place bend pin to wrap it around spindle. replace dust cap replace caliper bracket then caliper if it was not removed as one piece and finally replace wheel...i'll see if i cant find a video for you....

FordDude1991 · #5 08-17-2011, 10:44 PM

id tell ya but i have a 4x4 and its a diff setup than 2wd, ive never did rotors on a 2wd

MTman777 · #6 08-17-2011, 11:16 PM

the hardest part is doing the bearings.. it took me roughly 2.5 hrs start to finish to do both sides on my 00 Ranger 2wd. I had never done it before.. turned out great. Its easy to just replace the bearings since your in there anyways.. i think they cost like 12 a bearing x4..

STL · #7 08-18-2011, 01:44 AM

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...ghlight=brakes

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...light=bearings

http://www.fordrangerforum.com/how-s...light=bearings

DadsFordGirl · #8 08-18-2011, 06:11 AM

Thanks a ton everyone, the video definitely helped.

Rockslyde · #9 09-19-2011, 08:14 PM

I find this thread extremely helpful. The guy who owned the truck before me, never ever changed the brakes at all. My truck is at 222122 miles, and i took a quick look at the rotors and they needed a changin. Got everything off pretty much without a hitch, figured i'd replace the broken sway bar link while i was in there, that took longer than the damn brakes. new rotors and bearings, and enough grease to make miss piggy happy for a year. Nice new rotors and pads. I'm glad i got to them when i did, as the old rotors were just crumbling from the inside out, there wasn't even a grease seal on the inner bearings that's how bad they were. inside diameter was about that of two dvds put together, outside was a bit thicker but not by much. these puppies were so rusted the metal was just flaking away.