How to Remove the Rear Brake Rotors in a '97 Explorer

The rear brakes in a 1997 Ford Explorer don't do a lot of heavy work, but they are responsible for operating the parking brake, which can cause issues. For example, if you drive down the street with the parking brake on, you'll wear down the brake shoes at the same time. Or maybe your brake rotors have a lot of miles on them and need to be replaced. To fix problems like that, you have to remove the rotor.

Instructions

1

Park the SUV on a level surface. Jack up the rear of the truck with the jack and set it on jack stands. Then remove the rear tires with the tire iron.

2

Unbolt the brake caliper from the rear suspension using a 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull the caliper off of the rotor and support it by the rear suspension, resting it on top of the axle.

3

Look at the backside of the brake rotor and find the adjuster plug for the brake shoes. Loosen the adjuster using the drum-brake spoon. Then look for keeper nuts on the front side of the rotor. These go around the lug nuts and are installed by the factory, but not required to keep the rotors in place. Pull them off of the rotors with the needle nose pliers.

4

Lift the rotor off of the wheel hub with your hands and set it to the side.