How to Pull the Rotors on a 1989 F-150

The 1989 Ford F-150 was manufactured with front disk brakes, using a rotor friction surface to stop the truck. This rotor can wear out and require removal for resurfacing or replacement. Removing the rotor involves removal of the caliper and pads, and lifting the truck to remove the wheel at the brake being worked on. The average backyard mechanic can remove the rotor of a Ford F-150 in about 30 minutes.

Instructions

1

Raise the truck at the front wheel by placing the jack head underneath a frame rail close to the wheel and pumping the lever until the wheel is in the air. Remove the wheel by turning all lug nuts counterclockwise and pulling it from the hub. Set it and the lug nuts away from the work area.

2

Remove the caliper by turning the mount bolts on the rear of the caliper casing counterclockwise. The caliper will slide off the rotor, taking the pads with it. The pads can be removed from the caliper pistons by gently prying the pad clips loose with a screwdriver. Set the caliper on the control arm, or bind it so that the brake lines do not get pulled or bent. Do not let the caliper dangle by the lines.

3

Remove the rotor by turning the spindle nut (if equipped with 4WD) counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench or large socket. With the spindle nut removed, the rotor should pull directly away form the axle. Replace or resurface the rotor, and reassemble in the reverse order of removal. Repeat the entire process on the opposite brake's rotor.