I have a 2014 F350 4X4 which needs the front brakes done already, ( 38,000 hard towing miles )

Do I need to remove the front 4x4 hubs to get the front rotors off ?

Or just hammer them off of there...

Thanks !

 

No need to remove hubs but are you sure you need rotors too? The OEM rotors a great and should last for many miles.

 

I've got 96k on my factory front rotors. They are still good.

Removing the front hubs is a good idea, as long as you're in that area. Clean them and give them a very light lube.

 

My truck pulls an equipment trailer daily, plus snow plowing in the winter.

My front brakes had a squeal when stopping for a while, and just as I'd gotten to the point of "I'll throw some new pads in there" before I knew it the squeal sounds turned into a GRIND

One of the pads wore through and gouged the crap out of the right rotor.

I'm the kind of guy that will just spend a bit more and slap new ones in there. Problem is, none were in stock at that point ! Both stores said they were a week out. This was a few weeks ago.

So I just slapped new pads in until I could get around to doing the entire job. Napa had a 20% discount going on parts so I got front and rear heavy duty pads, plus their top of the line rotors for about $380.

I'm totally ok with this. The truck will be towing more weight this season than it did last season ( new machine ) and I just want to not have to worry about the brakes for a while ! The truck needs to be on the road daily.

 

Well gouging a rotor is a whole other story. Searching on this site shows good results with the OEM rotors and pads.

 

Apply anti seize to the rear hub surface of the rotors they will come off a whole lot easier next time. Nothing goes back together in my garage without a liberal coating(except for items which need loctite of course).

 

You might need to spray some PB Blaster or WD 40 around the hubs and lug nut studs to get the rotors off.


I have found that using a brass punch and hitting that in a few places between the studs on the surface area of the rotor will help to knock it loose so you can do the switch.

 

a couple raps with an air chisel will usually get it done.

 

I got them off with the five pound hammer.

new front rotors and pads are in, rear pads are in. all seems great so far, looking forward to when they are properly seated / broken in. Took about 1.75-2 hours to gather all my tools, set everything up, do all the work with a few distractions / phone calls in there.

thanks for the help !

 

Great advice. I do this as well