How to Remove a Rear Wheel Rotor on a 1997 Ford Explorer

Premiering in 1991, the Ford Explorer replaced the Ford Bronco II as a mid-sized SUV. It featured either rear drum or rear disc brakes. While the rear disc brakes were more effective, having to replace them was less frequent than the front disc brakes which compensated for 75 percent of the braking power for the vehicle. Monitor the thickness of the rear pads every time the wheels are off or rotated to add to the longevity of the rear brake rotors and caliper pistons.

Instructions

1

Place a wheel chock in front of one of the front tires on the Explorer after parking it on a hard, level surface. Do not apply the parking brake.

2

Crack the rear wheel nuts loose on the tire or tires that you intend to remove from the rear wheel rotors. Use a lug wrench to turn the wheel nuts 1/4 turn only counterclockwise to break them loose.

3

Hoist the rear axle of the SUV with a hydraulic or scissors jack, then support one or both sides on jack stand(s). Completely remove the wheel nuts and tire.

4

Remove the two rear caliper mounting bolts with a closed-end hand wrench.

5

Pry the caliper off of the pads and rotor assembly. Use a slotted screwdriver if necessary. Hang a small length of rope through the caliper and tie it to the rear chassis to prevent it from hanging from the rubber brake hose.

6

Remove the rear rotor retaining washers on the lug studs if applicable. Pry them off with the screwdriver. These keep the rear rotor stationary and do not need to be replaced.

7

Remove the rear rotor. If stuck onto the rear parking brake shoe assembly, remove the rubber adjuster plug on the backing plate of the rear axle and use an adjuster spoon to back down on the adjustment of the parking brake shoes.

8

Spray the center of the rotor around the axle hub with penetrating lubricant if the rotor is stuck to the hub with rust. Sharply strike the plate of the rotor with a dead-blow rubber mallet to break it free from the hub. Remove the rotor.