I learnt how to change my own brake pads from a write-up on this forum and I was wondering if there was any writeup on changing your own rotors?

Thanks.

 

Well, there isn't much to it.

1. jack up corner
2. remove wheel
3. remove caliper mounting bolts
4. move caliper out of the way (a wire hanger to hang it from the sprng works)
5. pull off rotor
6. put on new rotor
7. push the pads back in the caliper a little to easier slip it on
8. re-mount caliper
9. re-mount wheel
10. lower corner
11. repeat on the other three corners

 

5. pull off rotor

^^ You can just pull the rotors off? There is nothing that is locking it in place?

 

Usually the only thing that holds them in place is the wheel and rust. If there not rusted then yeah, they slide right off.

 

Wow, that's crazy.

Thanks.

 

I'd prefer to use jack stands rather than jacking up one corner, but other than that, yeah...sounds about right.

Do NOT use the stock emergency jack to jack up one corner... if it gives out you do not want to be working in that wheel well.

 

4.5 Remove caliper bracket.

 

I am comfortable with everything else except removing the rotors. I just want to know what tools I need and what strengh is needed. Example, what do you need to remove this Caliper bracket and is it a b*tch to unbolt, etc. Don't want to have my car up with the wheels off and find out I needed a tool that I don't have.

PS: What is a caliper bracket Pictures would be great.

 

You might want to use some liquid wrench and have a big *** **** wrench/breaker bar. Those bolts can be really stiff.

 

I'd also add that having a good torque wrench is a must for this job. The front Brembo calipers on my Z needed to be retorqued at a rather high 113-114 ft/lbs. and that takes some effort. The rear rotors also have a parking brake on them (do not engage parking brake when you lift the car) and I found you had to be pretty aggressive in walking them off.

David Muramoto
Senior Editor
Nissan Sport Magazine

 

OK I am having a ***** of a time getting these caliper brackets off. I cant break a single bolt loose on it. Are there any tricks to it? What size is it I might have to go pick up a new socket too.