My new rotors will be here this week, how hard is it for the average Dave to remove/install new ones? Is there some kind of adjustment needed anywhere? Or should I just take them to get installed?

 

Remove tires and wheels... unbolt calipers & pull rotors off. Re-install calipers and tires and wheels. It should take you a total of 2.5 or 3 hours if you take your time and clean parts up as you go along. :)

vetterdstr :cheers:

 

It will take you about an hour per corner.

You will need the following:
Jack
Stands
Breaker Bar
Torque Wrench with 125ftlbs+ capacity
Red loctite
New bolts and washers for bracket if you want to replace them. I did most people don't. They are pricey bastards.

The fronts are easier than the rears because you can turn the hub out to get a better angle at the caliper mounting bracket bolts. You don't remove the caliper from the braket. You remove the bracket from the hub. The bolts are big and tightened to 125 ft lbs and that is why you need the breaker bar. I broke 2 drivers trying to get them off. I am no lightweight but they were a real PIA to get off.

The service guide recommends replacing the bolts and washers I don't think it is needed after doing this myself. Just use new loctite and make absolutely sure you torque them down properly.

Make sure you keep you hands off the surface of the rotors during mounting. Might as well change the pads while you can.

 

Changing rotors is just about as easy as changing pads. In fact if you are considering changing your pads this would be the time to do it.

I can change rotors in about 1 hour once the car is up on jack stands if I'm just swapping rotors & pads because I've done it before.

After you get the car up on jackstands and is secure:

Fronts:

1. remove wheel.

2. remove top & bottom caliper bolts 15mm (use pliers to keep spacer/nut from spinning)

3. pull off caliper and place on suspension arm, secure with bungy cord if needed.

4. remove pads. (if reusing, note position and return to same location during assembly)

5. remove 21mm caliper bracket bolts. (will need a decent braker bar)

6. remove rotor

7. clean hub area with a wire brush and/or sand paper. rinse with brake clean.

8. install new rotor (note they are right/left specific so make sure you have the right one)

9. install the brake caliper bracket. (it's ok to re-use the bolts, be sure to use some red loctite on them). torque caliper bolts to 125 ft.1bs.

10. install pads (make sure to not put the inside pads on backwards. someone may put the pad in the caliper without looking since it's on the inside of the vehicle. ok damnit, that someone was me once. sh-- happens, pay attention). If your are installing new pads, remove the brake resevoir cap and compress the caliper pistons back in with a C clamp.

11. clean and rinse the pads and rotor surface with brake clean.

12. replace wheel

Rear:

Same as front except (make sure the parking brake is off!!! Do Not operate it while the rear rotors are off the car) you have to remove the park brake cables from the calipers.

to do this slide under the car and look up at the caliper. you will see the cable. grasp it with your hand and pull it off the hook.

Make sure to replace when done. (note since the rear rotors make contact with the park brake system, the rear rotors may have some resistances to being pulled off. If so work back and forth and continue to pull. Do Not force them with a pry bar, they will come off eventually.

Tool / supplies needed: 15mm socket with 3/8" drive. 21mm socket with 1/2" drive. pliers. big C clamp (if replacing pads). torque wrench. wire brush. red Loctite. Brake clean.




[Modified by Gary2KC5, 5:33 PM 5/20/2002]

 

If you have the right tools. I'd say give it a try. It's pretty straightfoward as long as you have the time. If your car is a little older or driven in the elements, you might have a little harder time getting the rotors off, but it should be no big deal. Also, if it has some miles on it, you might want to consider bleeding the brakes as well. And if you're gonna do that, you should look into the brake bias spring upgrade....
Good luck.

 

Just curious where did you buy your rotors? I am looking for a set of slotted rotors.

Thanks,

 

Thank you gentlemen for all the right answers. My car is an 02 with only 1200 miles. I ordered the rotors for Nate Extreme and also TPIS headers
They are the Earispeed(spelling) rotors

 

you'll definately need a breaker bar for the bracket bolts!!!!!!! I just took them off to paint and man were they a beeeotch :smash: