steps for replacing rotors

[jacob7071]

My truck jerks a lot when I brake, and I can tell my rotors are pretty warped. As I've searched this site, I've seen most people saying to just replace them rather than turn them. I wanted to replace them on my 02 2wd when I replace the pads, but I can't seem to find any steps. Is it difficult? I've never replaced rotors before - just pads. Does anyone know of a thread with steps to show me how?

Also, any recommendations on brand for the new rotors?

Thanks guys.

 

[brian2sun]

Just remove the calipers and the rotors will fall off (they just slide over the lugs). Removing the calipers is straight forward, just look at em and you'll see what to undo.

 

[Ghostrider]

A few suggestions. If you have never done this before have a friend help. You need to support the caliper with wire or cable tie to avoid putting strain on the brake hose. Four hands makes this much easier. Take pictures as you pull of the parts so re-assembly is a snap. Also there are a couple of bolts that need to be torqued so get the proper value (don't remember it).

 

[Ron Helmuth]

so you are going to be replacing your pads-so obviously you will remove the pads first, then you will remove the calipers and pinch off the brake fluid cable with a nice pair of vice grips.

some folks like to pad their vice grips a bit and good old duct tape works fine for this.you want to pinch the rubbery cable tight enough that it barely or does not drip at all but don't be causing damage to the cable.

If rust is anywhere near your area I sincerely doubt your rotors will just slide off. there is a threaded hole to be used to enable the rotors to expand out away from the front hub. Otherwise a mallet and block of wood come in handy and you hammer away at the back side of the rotor to loosen it for removal.

I have had very good results with the normal Brembo rotors-not drilled not slotted- just plain jane Brembo rotors. You could likely save some money in using a lifetime warranted rotor ( I believe Autozone is one brand mentioned) and that way if they ever do warp hey you get some more cheapo ones for free and no money out of pocket. Personally I do believe you get what you pay for and as stated I have had excellent results from the Brembo rotors which were about $10 more than cheapo versions I found online. Auto Parts warehouse was an outfit I liked and they operate as a variety of names I think one is even called brake warehouse.com They will send you coupons routinely via email so get to know them and their affiliates...

You do sound like you would benefit from a brake thread read-over so like all good T4R members I would encourage to search threads diligently-google works almost better than this forum's search and be sure of what you are doing before you even start. Print out some pics if you need to-I myself like having a visual reference on most anything I attempt.

Page back a few pages on this very forum and also consider YOTA TECH.com for a wealth of helpful folks. Obviously you will then be bleeding your brakes so make sure you are feeling confident in that procedure also.

 

[BTO]

so you are going to be replacing your pads-so obviously you will remove the pads first, then you will remove the calipers and pinch off the brake fluid cable with a nice pair of vice grips.

No need to pinch off the hoses. They are hoses not cables. No need to disconnect the brake lines at all. I just did the job about six months ago. Replaced the rotors and pads and everything went perfectly.

If you go easy and disconnect the clip that holds the brake lines you can remove the calipers easily and support them with something, swap out the rotors, clean up and lubricate the calipers and slip in new pads. It's actually an easy job.

edit to add for the OP: I used basic Autozone Duralast rotors and pads. They work perfectly. My GF thinks I'm a stud!

 

[jsmarine]

Dont forget to take off the cap on the master cylinder, it makes it easier to push the pistons out when replacing the pads. Just try not to overflow the brake fluid, it might a little bit.

 

[jacob7071]

thanks for the help everyone.

 

[Asmara]

about as easy as swapping wiper blades

I just did this job last week. Had already turned the rotors a couple of times so I decided to go ahead and replace them when they warped recently.

Parts I purchased from RockAuto.com
WAGNER Edge Part #EC436A $35.79
RAYBESTOS Rotor Advanced Technology 16" Wheels Part #96632 $51.99

From memory (and this makes it look about 10X harder than it is).

1) Jack up truck and remove tire.
2) Pop the hood and remove the master cylinder cap.
3) Use a big pair of channel locks to compress the caliper (one part on the caliper exterior the other on the brake pad). Keep going as far down as you can.
4) Get a box or something about the height of the caliper. Shove next to the caliper.
5) Remove the pin retainer (on the back side of the rotor), pull the pins and
catch the anti-squeal clip.
6) Remove the pads
7) Remove the bolt that holds the brake line to the mount.
8) Remove the two bolts holding the caliper on, put caliper on box.
9) pull off rotor.
10) Reverse process. Use new pads.

 

[JeremyH]

Here is a guide with pictures:
4x4Wire - Toyota 4WD, Off-Highway, & 4x4 Information
I'm not sure what year 4R this is performed on, but the process should be very similar...