How to Remove a Brake Rotor From a 1986 Dodge Lancer

The brake rotor on a 1986 Dodge Lancer is the floating type that slides over the wheel studs in the hub. The wheel itself keeps the rotor from wobbling. All of the rotors on a Lancer have a minimum thickness stamped on the rotor hub near the holes for the studs. When the rotor becomes worn to the point it reaches this thickness rating, it is the end of the service life of the rotor. When measuring the thickness of the rotor for machining purposes, always subtract 0.030 inch from the figure for machining. If the resulting number is above the number on the hub, machining will restore the rotor. It is always advisable to replace the brake pads when machining or replacing the rotor.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts by using the lug wrench and turning the lug nuts on each front wheel one turn counterclockwise. Raise the front of the car using the floor jack. Place jack stands under the sub frame and lower the car so it rests on the stands. Finish removing the lug nuts and remove the front wheels.

2

Open the caliper bleeder screw, on the top inside of the caliper, one turn with a wrench. Insert the screwdriver between the inside brake pad and the rotor. Pry the caliper piston back into its bore. Close the bleeder screw and tighten it.

3

Remove the two caliper retaining bolts using a socket. Lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it from the coil spring by a suitable piece of wire. Pull the outboard brake pad off the caliper. It is held on the caliper by a large flat steel spring attached to the pad. Pull the inside pad out of the caliper. This pad has three spring fingers in the rear of the pad that push into the cavity in the caliper piston. Pull the rotor off the hub.

4

Install the new rotor by pushing it straight on the hub and over the wheel studs. Install the new brake pads, starting with the inside pad. Align the spring fingers on the back of the pad with the hole in the caliper piston and push the fingers into the piston cavity. Install the outside pad by pushing it on with the large spring in front of the caliper. This spring pinches the pad to the caliper.

5

Lower the caliper over the rotor. Install the two retaining bolts and tighten them to 20 foot-pounds of torque. Install the wheel and tire and spin the lug nuts on. Tighten them with the lug wrench. Lower the car and torque the lug nuts to 90 foot-pounds of torque.

6

Lift the hood and remove the cap on the master cylinder reservoir. Fill the reservoir to the full line and replace the cap. Start the car and slowly pump the brakes 10 times before attempting to move it.