How to Remove the Rotor in a '97 QX4

The rotors on your Infiniti QX4 with proper brake system maintenance should last through three sets of brake pads. Damage to the rotors most often occurs from a poor brake pad replacement. Letting the pads wear down to the point that they begin to grind against the rotors causes irreversible damage in the form of scarring to the rotor's surface as well. You can remove the rotors for inspection or replacement on the '97 QX4 right at home. With a few tools, it should take you about 40 minutes to complete.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the front driver's side tire with a lug wrench a quarter turn. If you have recently driven the truck, wait one hour for the lug nuts to cool. Trying to remove them when they're hot will cause the lug nut stud to bend or break off.

2

Raise the truck just behind the tire with a hydraulic jack. Place a jack stand beneath the frame rail to help support the truck's weight.

3

Remove all of the lug nuts. Slide the tire off the studs using both hands. Set the tire to the side of your work area. Place the lug nuts in a safe place free of dirt and debris.

4

Place an 8-inch C-clamp around the body of the brake caliper. Wind the C-clamp's screw down until it makes contact with the surface of the outer brake pad. If you look at the rear of the inner brake pad, you will see two round pistons pushing against it. You have to compress both pistons back down into their bore holes on the brake caliper.

5

Begin winding the C-clamp shut slowly and evenly until you see that both of the pistons have retracted completely. Take the C-clamp off.

6

Loosen and remove the upper and lower caliper mounting bracket bolts with a socket wrench. Do not remove the brake caliper's bolts; they mount to the bracket. Only remove the mounting bracket's bolts.

7

Set a 5-gallon bucket down within the wheel well next to the caliper/bracket assembly. Using both hands, pull the assembly off the rotor and set it down on top of the bucket.

8

Remove the rotor by pulling it straight off in an outward motion. If the rotor seems stuck, use a rubber mallet to lightly tap around the rear surface of the rotor to remove it.