How to Pull a Brake Rotor
Though removing and replacing a brake rotor may sound complicated and intimidating for the inexperienced mechanic, this is actually not that difficult of a procedure. A rotor can usually be removed in about 30 minutes with the right tools and approach.
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Things You'll Need
- Jack and jack stands
- Socket set and ratchet
- Wrenches
- Screwdriver
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
- Wire or zip tie
Instructions
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Pulling a Brake Rotor
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1
Loosen the lug nuts on the vehicle's wheels. Raise the vehicle up with a jack and place it securely on jack stands. Remove the wheels.
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2
Spray brake cleaner over the caliper, brake rotor and surrounding areas and clean thoroughly with a dry rag.
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3
Remove the two bolts that hold the caliper to the caliper mounting bracket. These bolts are on the back of the rotor, the part that faces the wheel well. Use a socket or a wrench to remove these bolts. Depending on the make and model these may be special star shaped bolts that are removed with a Torx bit or a conventional bolt. Set the bolts aside.
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4
Slide the caliper off of the rotor. The caliper will still be attached to the brake line and will need to be supported to prevent the brake line from getting damaged from the weight of the caliper. Support the caliper with a zip tie or a piece of wire so that it is not tugging on the brake line.
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5
Examine the rotor to determine how it is held onto the hub. This will vary depending on the make and model of car. The rotor may be held on with a single center nut which you will turn counter-clockwise with a socket to remove. It may also be held on with a pair of set screws which will be removed with a flat-head screwdriver or an Allen wrench.
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6
Pull the rotor straight away from the hub to remove it. Depending on the type of vehicle, the rotor may also hold the wheel bearing onto the hub. If the wheel bearing comes off with the rotor, wipe the wheel bearing grease off of the bearing and set the bearing aside.
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7
Installing a new rotor or putting the rotor back on is the reverse of removal.
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