How to Replace the Rotors on a 2002 Taurus

The rotors on your wear over time and will eventually need replacing. Driving with rotors that are too thin or severely damaged is dangerous. If you let your brakes wear too long and you start hearing a grinding sound, it means there is metal-to-metal contact between the brakes and the rotor. Ordinarily, you would change the rotors while you are also changing the brake pads, though this isn't strictly necessary.

Instructions

1

Park the car on a level surface and place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

2

Jack the car up with the automobile jack and remove the wheel you are working on using the lug wrench.

3

Remove the brake caliper using the proper socket and ratchet. The caliper guide pins come off at the back of the caliper.

4

Secure the caliper to the strut using the wire tie. Don't leave the caliper simply hanging or you will damage the brake hoses.

5

Remove the rotor from the axle. If you can't simply slide it off the lug pins, then use the rubber mallet and hit it several times until it breaks free.

6

Place the new rotor on the wheel axle and then use the wire cutters to cut the wire tie that is securing the caliper to the strut.

7

Reattach the caliper, tightening the caliper guide pins with the socket and ratchet.

8

Place the wheel back on the car and lower it to the ground. Repeat the entire process on the next wheel.