4th Gen Rear Rotor Replacement

[chucknorris]

Hi all,

So this weekend I am going to be replacing both rear brake rotors and pads.

After hours of google and searching around here (nobody has a rear rotor and pad write-up), it seems like a fairly straight-forward process with the exception of the e-brake. Apparently some engineer and his infinite wisdom thought it would be a good idea to have a disc/drum combo on the rear brakes for our 4Runners.

Does anyone know what direction to turn the star nut adjuster (up or down) in order to back off the brake shoe on the inside of the rotor?

What is the process for re-adjusting the e-brake upon new rotor installation if the star nut adjuster was used to back off the e-brake for old rotor removal? Do I just turn the star nut adjuster till it stops (contact with rotor) and then back off a few turns and check the function of the e-brake to make sure it grabs and holds?

Wish me luck!

Thanks!

 

[MikeInNH]

As long as you don't have the e-brake on the rotor should come off.

It can be a little difficult, but it should just come off.

There are 2 threaded holes in the front of the rotor. Don't remember the size...but something like 6mm course. They are used to remove the rotor. Get a coupe of bolts that fit and then thread them in (need to be at least 1.5" long). Alternate turning them.....when they bottom out..they then start to push the rotor out off....

 

[chucknorris]

As long as you don't have the e-brake on the rotor should come off.

It can be a little difficult, but it should just come off.

There are 2 threaded holes in the front of the rotor. Don't remember the size...but something like 6mm course. They are used to remove the rotor. Get a coupe of bolts that fit and then thread them in (need to be at least 1.5" long). Alternate turning them.....when they bottom out..they then start to push the rotor out off....

Thanks for the tip!

IF, the rotor does not want to come off and its due to the e-brake hanging up on it, what direction do I turn the star nut adjuster (up or down)?

 

[MikeInNH]

I can't remember off the top of my head what direction. Only way to know for sure is to try and look in the window to see if the adjuster is expanding or contracting. You might also be able to feel it as you're adjusting.

I've found that if a brake is hanging up...I just wack it a few times with a hammer..and that frees it.....But I also think you'd know that if it was hanging up when you drove the vehicle.

 

[chucknorris]

Thanks for the input Mike, I found another thread that states to rotate the star nut down to back off the e-brake and then turn the star nut up to expand the e-brake.

Thanks again!