Tutorial for the Replacement of a Brake Disc Rotor
Brake rotor replacement is a routine aspect of vehicle brake maintenance. The brake rotor is the round, disc-shaped component of the brakes that the caliper and brake pads clamp when the brakes are applied. Over time, rotors wear out past their useful life and need to be replaced. Brake rotors can be replaced by the amateur mechanic but if you have any doubts about replacing the brakes on your car, the work should be carried out by a professional.
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Things You'll Need
- Floor jack
- Jacks stands
- Socket set and ratchet
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
- Screwdriver
- New brake rotor
Instructions
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1
Loosen the lug nuts for the wheels with a lug wrench or a socket and ratchet. Use a floor jack to raise the vehicle. Lower it onto a jack stand or jack stands if you are replacing the rotors on both sides of the car. Generally speaking rotors should be replaced in pairs (either side of the vehicle) or all four should be replaced. It is possible however to replace one rotor at a time. Finish removing the wheel or wheels and set them aside.
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2
Spray brake cleaner onto the brake components, including the rotor (the large disc-like component) the caliper, which clamps the rotor, and any nearby components. Wipe everything down with a clean, dry rag.
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3
Locate the large bolts that hold the caliper to the suspension or to the caliper bracket, located on the top and bottom of the caliper on the side facing the wheel well. Use the appropriately sized socket and a ratchet to remove the bolts. On some models (BMW, etc.) the bolts are removed with an Allen wrench or a star-shaped bit.
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4
Slide the caliper off of the rotor. Support the caliper with a piece of wire tied to a nearby suspension component or set it on a platform so that there is no weight on the soft brake line, which could potentially damage it. Remove the caliper bracket if the vehicle has one. Most newer models use a caliper bracket that the caliper is bolted to but many older vehicles do not use them. Set the bracket aside.
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5
Remove the set screw that holds the rotor to the hub if your vehicle uses one. Some makes do not use a set screw to hold the rotor on, but many makes (BMW, Porsche, etc) do use a set screw. The set screw can be removed with a flat head screwdriver, a Phillips screwdriver or a star-shaped bit. It may help to spray some penetrating lubricant onto the screw before attempting to remove it. You may need to tap the rotor from the back with a hammer to free it from the hub.
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6
Clean the area where the rotor mounts to the hub with brake cleaner and a clean, dry rag. Wipe the rotor down with brake cleaner as well to remove the anti-corrosion film that is on it. Slide the rotor onto the hub. Install the set screw if one was used.
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7
Reinstall the caliper bracket with the bolts. Slide the caliper back over the new rotor. You may need to compress the piston in the caliper to provide enough clearance for the caliper and pads to fit over the rotor. If this necessary, remove the brake pads. Use a C-clamp to compress the piston a little into the caliper. On Audis and VWs, you need to use a special tool (see Resources) to compress the piston into the caliper that turns the piston at the same time that it presses it into the caliper. Install and tighten the bolts that hold the caliper on.
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8
Replace the wheels. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Pump the brakes until the brake pedal feels firm again.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit roue 2 image by thierry planche from Fotolia.com
