front rotor help
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
From: california
front rotor help
help, I have a 1999 ranger 4x4 w/auto hubs. My rotors (front) need to be replaced and I cannot afford a dealer. I have ok mechanical knowledge. I bought a chilton and the info was poor. any suggestions? I have heard that special tools are needed and my local auto parts in not much help. Is there anyone who has replaced the rotors who would spend a few moments outlining the steps and tools needed?? THANKS!! Travis
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Blytheville, AR
Trending Topics
Post Fiend
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,462
Likes: 4
From: Durant, OK (SOSU)
No idea...parents did it for me. I'll ask. I assume they were MC. We kept having the brake dust cover the wheels so they stole my truck one morning and took it to the mechanics, told me they were going to meet some friends, took the other truck as well, that afternoon, after I called the police to report my vehicle un-stolen, I was quite a happy camper lol.
RP
Zach
RP
Zach
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
New User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have a 2001 F150 4 X 4, and I did my first front brake job today, including replacing the rotors. I'm guessing that the 1999 is similar. Take off the wheels. Then loosen & remove the two bolts (18mm hex head) that hold the caliper to the hub; they're on the backside of the hub. But don't let the caliper hang by the brake hose, support the caliper by a wire or on a stool. The rotor may come right off, but most likely it's somewhat rusted to the hub. Now you have to tap firmly around the rotor until it comes loose. I used a 3 lb hammer and had to tap from the backside as well as the front. New rotors were $25 each at the auto parts store. I replaced the brake pads also, another $50. You'll need to open the calipers by compressing the pistons with a large C-clamp before you put the new pads on; otherwise you may not be able to put the caliper on the new rotors. There are no special tools needed, just an 18mm wrench or socket and a large C-clamp. The pads come out with no tools, just fingers. Push the pads toward the center of the caliper. The whole thing is surprisingly simple, although it takes a while to figure it out the first time.
Elder User
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 623
Likes: 0
From: Blytheville, AR
That's actually pretty close. I know my bro's '01 4x4 F-150 was very similar to my own brakes. You're not that far off. Maybe the sizes are off, but the process is more or less the same.
Btw, welcome to FTE rcaiaff1980!
Btw, welcome to FTE rcaiaff1980!
Senior User
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 178
Likes: 0
From: Pcola, FL
Can vouch for that as well. I changed rotors on my old 99 Ranger a few years ago. The sizes were probably different as nate mentioned, but everything else in the process was the same... If you don't have a manual, such as Haynes, I think Autozone's website might have some online ones. I think I remember seeing front pad and rotor removal and installation instructions for the 99 Ranger. Not sure how detailed they are, but it's worth a shot anyway.