How to Update the 1968 Ford Galaxie Brake Rotor

The brake rotor is the disc-shaped object used in disc brake systems that helps stop the vehicle when the brakes are pressed. The brake rotor goes over the lug nuts and hub assembly behind the wheel of the vehicle. There is a caliper located over it that squeezes it when the brake pedal is pressed. This squeezing creates enough friction to slow the wheel down. Brake rotors can get bad spots from worn brake pads scraping against them or due to environmental contamination. When brake rotors wear out, they need to be updated to keep your braking power efficient and safe.

Instructions

1

Jack up the front of the vehicle at the tire whose rotor you would like to update. Remove the wheel from the vehicle by unscrewing all the lug nuts and pulling the wheel off of the vehicle. Set the wheel out of the way.

2

Take the caliper off of the rotor by removing the caliper bolts. Set it out of the way making sure that it isn't hanging by the brake hose. You can hang it from the fender by using a small piece of wire or string.

3

Gently pry off the grease cap with a flathead screwdriver. Remove the nut retainer and the adjusting nut after removing the cotter pin.

4

Remove the outer wheel bearings and the washer by first pulling the rotor, and hub assembly, out towards you. Only pull enough to loosen the bearings and washer. Push the rotor, and hub assembly, back when the bearings and washer are loose enough to remove.

5

Completely pull the rotor and hub assembly off of the spindle after the bearings and washer have been removed. This is done by pulling them both toward you and off of the spindle.

6

Spray brake cleaner on the new rotor to remove the coating that the factory puts on new rotors to protect it. Put a new set of greased wheel bearings and inner roll bearings inside the inner cup of the hub and install a new seal, making sure it is lightly greased.

7

Reinstall the hub assembly and install the new rotor onto the spindle. Reinstall the outer wheel bearings, the washer, and adjusting nut, tightening it to .8 to 1.25 foot-pounds. Reinstall the nut retainer, cotter pin, and grease cap at the end of the spindle.

8

Replace the caliper back over the new rotor and reattach it to the brake assembly by screwing in the caliper bolts. Put the wheel back on the vehicle and lower it. Press the brake pedal a few times before driving the vehicle.