changing brakes for 1st time - any pointers?
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changing brakes for 1st time - any pointers?
i have a 2wd 93 explorer & need to replace the brakes - some people have told me to have a pro do it but i have helped my buddy b4 & have seen it done twice - are there any special tips you guys have and/or any tools/parts i need before i get started?
thanks
thanks
Senior User
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Cold Lake, AB
Fronts are easy to do, pick up a Haynes manual. Rears are better left to the pros if you have never done drums before or at least only do one side at a time, so you have a reference for what it should look like when its together.
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From: ut
If you're doing the front, about the only tricky part is getting the caliper sliders out. You can do this with a hammer and a large punch or screwdriver. If they look worn or damaged, replace them and grease them when putting them back in. (Sometimes grease is supplied with the pads, otherwise ask for it at the parts counter).
Also, be careful when prying apart the pads to loosen the calipers "grip" before removing the caliper. You can damage the piston in the caliper. When your done with the brake job, pump the brakes before driving away.
Doing the rear brakes is a little more complicated but do-able. Buy the spring release/installation tools. Using vise grips or pliers can nick the springs, causing premature breakage...besides, they're dangerous if you slip.
You can save a lot of money doing the brakes yourself, go slow and remember how things went and you'll do okay.
Good luck.
P.S. Have the rotors/drums machined...even if you don't think you need to...you'll be glad in the long run. Your parts store should be able to do this for you.
Also, be careful when prying apart the pads to loosen the calipers "grip" before removing the caliper. You can damage the piston in the caliper. When your done with the brake job, pump the brakes before driving away.
Doing the rear brakes is a little more complicated but do-able. Buy the spring release/installation tools. Using vise grips or pliers can nick the springs, causing premature breakage...besides, they're dangerous if you slip.
You can save a lot of money doing the brakes yourself, go slow and remember how things went and you'll do okay.
Good luck.
P.S. Have the rotors/drums machined...even if you don't think you need to...you'll be glad in the long run. Your parts store should be able to do this for you.
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it's been raining here so i haven't put the new stuff on yet - i bought new everything (rotors, pads, calipers) - the rotors are sticky from the shipping - can i use simple green to get the residue off or use brake cleaner only? - the inside brake pad doesn't have any clips, how does it stay in place? - is there just the one nut to take off to get the rotor off?
thanks
thanks
Senior User
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From: ut
I would use brake cleaner, but any degreaser should do as long as it doesn't leave any residue. As for the inner pad, if I remember correctly, you would install it in it's position on the spindle, then install the outer pad with its spring clip on the caliper. with the caliper fully compressed, you can slide it over the rotor and the inner pad.
I hope that helps,(and I hope that makes sense)
I hope that helps,(and I hope that makes sense)
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Elder User
Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Florida
Sounds like you're all over it, sikko. Clean is good, and Simple Green is an excellent choice for a non-petroleum based cleaner.
The job can be done without opening the brake fluid system, but I'd recommend bleeding/ flushing the brake fluid anyway in order to get new, clean fluid in the lines. Old fluid can absorb moisture over time and eventually becomes corrosive.
The job can be done without opening the brake fluid system, but I'd recommend bleeding/ flushing the brake fluid anyway in order to get new, clean fluid in the lines. Old fluid can absorb moisture over time and eventually becomes corrosive.
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thanks for your help guys - i got so far as to get the old rotor off & it looks like i outsmarted myself - i was trying to save $ on ebay & the guy sent me the wrong rotors - now my truck is still on stands & w/o rotors - the passenger side rotor is shot but the drivers side isn't bad @ all - my next ? - can i get away w/ only 1 new rotor or should i replace both - will a new one on one side only make a difference in braking - what is the easiest way to get the bearings out of the inside of the rotor - the outside just slides out - but from the inside they're stuck in there pretty good - i guess the most important ? is the rotor one though
thanks again, guys
thanks again, guys
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
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ALWAYS replace the brake parts in pairs! Unless of course you like being in the ditch or slamming into an oncoming vehicle...
When you remove the rotor the inner bearing slides out after you remove the seal.
Please consider letting the pro's do your brakes b4 you get killed or kill someone else.
When you remove the rotor the inner bearing slides out after you remove the seal.
Please consider letting the pro's do your brakes b4 you get killed or kill someone else.
Senior User
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From: ut
The grease seal is holding the bearing in on the backside. Use a brass punch and hammer it out. Make sure you're not hitting on the bearing. All of this is spelled out in the Haynes manual. 15 bucks and you have an adequate resource (at least for this job). And yes, change the brakes in pairs, otherwise things get dangerous.
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: NJ
As Torque1st mentioned... always replace brake parts in pairs... so no I would not re-use the old rotor.
Here's a trick for getting the inner bearing out.... once you pull the cam and outer bearing from the hub, thread the nut back on a few turns.... then simply pull the rotor off... this will remove the greese seal and bearing from the back of the rotor. Just make sure that you pull straight back and you shouldn't have any problems.
Here's a trick for getting the inner bearing out.... once you pull the cam and outer bearing from the hub, thread the nut back on a few turns.... then simply pull the rotor off... this will remove the greese seal and bearing from the back of the rotor. Just make sure that you pull straight back and you shouldn't have any problems.
Elder User
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 950
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From: Conroe, TX
Just go to your local parts store(ie. napa carquest...) and pick up a rotor there. It will save you alot of time, plus they are not that expensive. If i remember correctly, mine were around $50-65 dollars from Napa.
Also remember that you can never use too much grease when you pack and install the bearings.
Chris
Also remember that you can never use too much grease when you pack and install the bearings.
Chris