Brake Rotor Replacement Tips

Most vehicle models use disc brakes or rotors on both front wheels because of their braking power compared to drum brakes. Still, a worn out or faulty rotor can put your life in danger in a high traffic street, road or highway. Consequently, this is one of those vehicle system components where you should not compromise. Replace that bad rotor on your car easily with a few tips.

Precautions

Before beginning to replace the rotor, disable the air bag system if your particular vehicle model is equipped with it. This will prevent you from accidentally triggering an impact sensor and injuring yourself or someone else inside or around the car.

Loosen the wheel lugs, and use a floor jack to raise the tire and wheel assembly with the rotor you need to replace. Support the car on a jack stand and chock the rear or front wheels to keep the vehicle from rolling. Then remove the tire.

Removing the Rotor

Detach the brake caliper and mounting bracket from the rotor, and then secure the caliper to the suspension using a piece of wire. Leaving the caliper hanging loose may damage the brake hose.

Spray the wheel assembly with brake parts cleaner and use shop towels to remove brake lining dust if necessary. Some brake pads may contain asbestos, which is known to cause cancer, and you should not breathe it.

Note that you will need to remove the wheel bearings as well if you are replacing a rear rotor. Be careful not to let dust, dirt or other particles contaminate the bearings and grease. If necessary, repack the wheel bearings with new high-temperature wheel bearing grease.

Make sure the rotor on your vehicle is not attached to the wheel hub with mounting screws or bolts, which you need to remove first. If the rotor seems stuck, use a rubber mallet to tap at the back of the rotor to dislodge it from the hub. If the rotor is rusted and hard to remove, you will need to use a puller, which you may rent from your local auto parts store.

Resurface or Replace the Rotor

Some rotors can be resurfaced to correct imperfections or damage caused by years of service without the need to replace it. If you are not sure, take the rotor to a brake repair shop for inspection.

If you are installing a new rotor, compare the old rotor with the new one, and make sure you have the correct replacement.

When installing the resurfaced or new rotor, keep grease off the rotor friction surface. According to "Modern Automotive Technology" by James E. Duffy, grease will harden and cause serious breaking problems.