Remart Auto Parts Blog

How do you know you need new brake rotors when you are replacing your brake pads? Take a look at this video and it will help you understand.

Now - You konw you need to replace the rotors on your vehicle. Here are some basic steps to help.

Replacing brake rotors may sound like a mysterious and very difficult job, but within a short period of time, with the proper tools, you will be able to replace your rotors without much difficulty and save a ton of money. Read on to learn how to replace brake rotors.

Things You'll Need:

• Wheel removal tools such as jack and lug wrench
• Vehicle support while working such as jack stands and tire chocks
• Various wrenches to remove the brake caliper bolts
• Large C-clamp to depress the caliper
• Brake Kleen spray
• Turkey baster or siphon to remove fluid from master cylinder
• Heavy rubber mallet (optional if rotor does not come off smoothly)
• Rust buster spray if rotor is rusted to wheel axle plate

Step 1

Jack stands and wheel chocks for safety.

Jack up the car and remove the wheel. It is always a good idea to use wheel chocks to prevent the car from rolling and to never rely on just a standard jack while working. Always use proper jack stands.

Step 2

Common brake rotor

Inspect the rotor for wear to be sure it does need replacement and you are not having another issue. Track marks or thinning out of the rotor would represent replacement, but if it is very smooth and level to the exterior rim edges the rotor may be fine and possibly you just need to replace the brake pads or discs.

Step 3

Typical Master Cylinder.

Using a basic turkey baster or similar siphon you must draw brake fluid out of the master cylinder, which is where you put your brake fluid in found in the engine compartment. Remove about one third of the fluid and leave the cap off. You may re use the fluid again if you put it into a clean container. When you depress the brake caliper the fluid level will rise in the cylinder and this is why you need to reduce the level ahead of time.

Step 4

Large sized C-clamp to compress caliper

Use the large C-clamp to compress the brake caliper by placing one side of the clamp on the inner side and the other end of the clamp on the outer side of the caliper. Hand tighten the clamp until you cannot go any further which should be sufficient to depress the caliper and then remove the C-clamp. This is the time when the level in the master cylinder will rise, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on it in case it over flows, which won't harm anything, but will be a bit of a mess.

Step 5

Brake Caliper.

Remove the bolts that hold the caliper in place. Be careful not to twist or disturb the rubber brake line connected to the caliper which contains brake fluid. You don't want to create a leak in the fitting or line. Keep your hands on the caliper and don't let hang with all the weight on the rubber line. Also, within the caliper are the brake pads which should be carefully removed and put on the side if you plan to reuse them. It is always suggested to replace the pads whenever you replace the rotors so you will ensure even smooth braking. Take note of the position they are in within the caliper for easier installation later.

Step 6

Carefully hang the caliper up somewhere above with wire if you cannot set it out of the way in a stable position, again without disturbing or twisting the rubber brake fluid line. Do not rely on the lines to hold the caliper up on their own.

Step 7

With the caliper up and out of the way you should be able to pull the rotor straight back towards you. If it does not pull off smoothly you may have some rust along the edges and may have to twist hard and pull back simultaneously or tap the edges of the rotor from the rear with a mallet until it comes loose. Sometimes a rust buster type spray will also help if sprayed along the edges. The rotor is meant to come off, but at times it may take some effort.

Step 8

Slip the new rotor in place so that it is seated all the way back against the axle plate. Put the brake pads/discs back within the caliper in their proper position and slip the caliper back over the rotor in the same position from which it was before removal. Install and tighten the bolts that hold the caliper in place.

Step 9

Spray clean the new rotor to remove any oils.

Using Brake Kleen spray the new rotor surface to be sure that any oils are debris that may have been picked up on it are cleaned off. The fluid will dry on it's own quickly and should not be wiped off. It is important that the surface of the rotor is oil-free. Turn the rotor as you go along so you don't miss any areas.

Step 10

Replace the wheel and change the other rotor on the same axle. Always replace both rotors at the same time.

Step 11

Fill up the master cylinder with brake fluid after the new rotors are installed. You may use the fluid you originally siphoned out if it was kept clean and then close and secure the cap on the master cylinder. You are now ready for a test drive.

At Remart Auto Parts we are not mechanic's nor do we validate or warrant the information included in this blog. If in doubt about any information included in this blog, please consult a certified mechanic before attempting any vehicle repair. To view complete information about this disclaimer and the source and origin of content on the remartautoparts blog, click here.