How to Replace Disc Brake Rotors on a 1965 Ford Mustang

Unlike later Mustangs, which were equipped with front and rear disc brakes as standard equipment, the 1965 Mustang was available only with front disc brakes as an option. When the Mustang's brake pedal is depressed, four pistons within the caliper press against a rotor to slow the car. As the rotor wears down, the Mustang's stopping ability decreases. For this reason, worn rotors must periodically be replaced.

Instructions

1

Lift the vehicle with a hoist, then remove the wheel nuts with a wrench and pull the wheel off of the Mustang.

2

Remove the brake caliper's two securing nuts with a wrench, then lift the caliper off of the rotor and suspend it with a heavy piece of wire.

3

Pry the grease cap off of the center of the spindle with a slotted head screwdriver, then remove the cotter pin from the spindle with pliers, followed by the nut lock and the adjusting nut with a wrench to expose a flat washer. Pull the flat washer off of the wheel hub to expose the outer wheel bearing.

4

Pull the outer wheel bearing out of the spindle, then pull the wheel hub and the rotor off of the spindle.

5

Remove the protective coating from the new rotor with carburetor cleaner and a lint-free cloth.

6

Position the new rotor onto the spindle followed by the wheel hub.

7

Insert the outer wheel bearing into the center of the spindle.

8

Position the flat washer onto the wheel hub followed by the adjusting nut.

9

Torque the adjusting nut to between 17 and 25 foot-pounds of torque with a torque wrench, then back off the adjusting nut 1/2 turn and retighten the adjusting nut to between 10 and 15 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench.

10

Tighten the nut lock over the adjusting nut then insert the cotter pin through the nut. Bend the two ends of the cotter apart with pliers to secure the cotter pin in place.

11

Tap the grease cap onto the center of the wheel hub with a rubber mallet.

12

Position the caliper assembly onto the rotor then torque the caliper's securing nuts to between 45 and 60 foot-pounds of torque with the torque wrench.

13

Reinstall the wheel onto the wheel hub and lower the Mustang to the ground with the hoist.