How to Change the Brake Rotors on a Ford

Change the brake rotors on your Ford vehicle.

Brake rotors on your Ford car may heat check, score, crack or thin beyond manufacturer specifications. In such cases, you need to change the component. Follow these simple steps to replace the brake disc in a matter of minutes. The procedure applies to the 2000 Ford Escort, which is similar to other models.

Things You'll Need

• Floor jack and two jack stands Wheel lug wrench Wrench set Ratchet and socket set

Instructions

Front Brake Rotor

1. Park the car on a safe and level surface; loosen the wheel lugs with the wrench and raise the front of the car using a floor jack. Safely support it on two jack stands.

2. Remove the tire and unfasten the brake caliper mounting bolts. Lift the caliper off the brake rotor and secure it with a wire. Do not leave the caliper hanging free or the brake hose may break.

3. Remove the brake rotor and install the new unit in place. Install the brake caliper and tighten the mounting bolts. Replace the tire and install the wheel lugs. Lower the vehicle and finish tightening the wheel lugs.

4. Depress the brake pedal several times to push and adjust the caliper brake pads onto the brake rotor. Test-drive the car to make sure the brake assembly is working properly.

Rear Brake Rotor

1. Park the car on a safe and level surface; loosen the wheel lugs with the wrench and raise the rear of the car using a floor jack. Safely support it on two jack stands.

2. Remove the tire. If yours is a 1997 to 1999 model, remove the support bracket from the rear disc rotor using a wrench or ratchet and socket.

3. Unscrew the two brake rotor mounting bolts and the lower caliper mounting bolt. Swivel the caliper off the rotor and pull the rotor from the hub. If necessary, remove the brake pads and shims from the caliper to remove the rotor from the wheel assembly.

4. Set the new rotor in place and install the caliper--pads and shims in place--over the brake rotor. Tighten the caliper lower bolt and the two rotor mounting bolts.

5. Reinstall the support bracket on the brake rotor if you have a 1997 to 1999 model.

6. Set the tire in place and install the wheel lugs. Lower the vehicle and finish tightening the lugs.

7. Depress the brake pedal several times to push and adjust the caliper brake pads onto the brake rotor. Test-drive the car to make sure the brake assembly is working properly.