First off, this is a GREAT site, I sure appreciate all the info found here.

So here's my first post (question)...just purchased a used 2000 XLT w/4 wheel disc/ABS. I plan to do a rear axle brake job this weekend. I am simply having the rotors turned and installing new pads. Yesterday I went to Autozone and took a look at an OE replacement rear rotor to familiarize myself and noticed the gear-like structure on the backside, which I assume is for the ABS speed sensors. Should the sensor cogs be cleaned with brake cleaner and then re-greased? If so, what type of grease? The Autozone clerk wasn't sure (but she was very cute, so I cut her slack). Thanks.

Cheers, Wm.

 

Hi and welcome to the forum
She may have been cute but I dont think she totally knew what she was doing. Was she blond? ooops did I say that out loud?
The rear rotors dont have tone rings on them so I think she showed you the wrong part. The rear brakes just use one sensor mounted on the top center of the diff. It uses a tone ring that is mounted to the diff carrier inside the housing.
The rear rotors are easy to replace. You unbolt the caliper and the rotor should slide right off. Should is the key word there. Sometimes they take some beating with a big hammer.

 

Dave,

Thanks for your quick reply (and ALL the terrific info/advice you share here).
It's not the clerks fault, I just realized she showed me the fronts (as I may have asked her to do), and not the backs...my bad. I appreciate the clear description you have provided, I'm good to go.

Come time for the fronts (with the tone rings/sensors)...clean/grease?

Cheers, Wm.

 

The tone rings should be clean. They usually arent clean when you pull them apart and it doesnt really matter but I always clean them up before I put it back together.
The sensors should be clean. Clean off any rust, filings etc that's on them.