How to Clean the Spindle and Rotor on Your Car

All components on a vehicle contribute to your safety on the road. Regular maintenance is of utmost importance. For example, a damaged spindle and rotor, or failure to clean them properly, could cause the car to lose control. Fortunately, you can clean the spindle and rotor on your car yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Wrench
• Penetrating oil
• Rag
• Grease

1. Loosen the lug nuts on both of the front tires with a lug nut wrench. Jack the vehicle on a firm, flat surface and remove the lug nuts on one of the front wheels. Next, remove the wheel. Be sure to keep the lug nuts together.

2. Remove the bolts on the rotor. Use penetrating oil, such as Free All or Deep Lube, if they're frozen due to rust. Remove the rotor.

3. Swipe the spindle assembly and shaft with a clean rag. Grease, rust and dirt often collect on the spindle. Clean any grease and dirt with the rag; a corroded spindle shaft may be wire wheeled. Any dirt or rust can damage the bearing's rubber seal.

4. Use the same rag to clean the rotor. Grease normally collects on the inner race. Just wipe it off with the rag.

5. Repack the spindle assembly with multipurpose grease and set the rotor back in place. Tighten the rotor bolts, put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.

Resources

• Free All
• Deep Lube