i got some slotted rotors and green stuff pads, that i wanna put in. i was just wondering if anyone had a good how to or pointers page they knew of. im sure i can figure it out, but this is my first rotor and pad change, so im looking for some tips, pointers, or any insight you guys may have. thanks in advance.
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The biggest secret when you're changing brakes is that once the piston is out, you have to get it back in. Here's a little trick to do that I learned from my old man- Once the caliper is off, and you get the old pads off, the pressure piston is going to be in the "out" position. Simply place the old pad against the piston (with the pad surface facing the piston) and use a C-clamp to crank it back in. Viola.
That's all the insight I have to offer, but it made a big difference when I learned it.
I may not be the sharpest crayon in the box, but at least I'm a pretty color
yea once you get the wheel off there are 2 3/8 hex bolts that hold the caliper on. once you get the caliper off you have to compress the pads back out so the new pads will fit on the rotors. when changing pads, dont let the caliper hang freely from the brake line. either hold it in your hand or rest it on top of the rotor. as for the rotor, just pull it off. once the caliper is off, it should come off. it may be stuck so just tap around it to get it loose and pull off. put the new rotor on and put the caliper back on. the rotor might have some play in it but its fine. once you get done and pump the brakes, it tightens up and good to go
Key point BRAKES ARE NOT TO BE PLAYED WITH: GET SUPERVISION OR A MANUAL WITH PICTURES. Helpfull Hints: Clean and possible sand all surfaces. Like the wheel hub, caliper and pad anchor spots on steering knuckle. Remove any rust or dirt from slide bolts ( the ones with the hex bolts) use dielectric silcone to lube rubber to metal parts. Clean rotors, before installing with brake cleaner (aersoal can) at your local part store.
I would recommend a Haynes manual... It has a complete (with picutres) guide of how to do brakes and a lot of other things; it is an invaluable tool. Aside from that, here's a short run though of how to do it (directly from my Haynes manual):
1. Take out about 1/2 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir (when you compress the piston back into the caliper, the brake fluid will rise in the reservoir and you don't want to spill brake fluid, it's horrible for paint)
2. Take a large C-clamp and position the clamp on the back flat side of the caliper and on the side facing out directly on the outter brake pad. Compress the C-clamp (watch your reservoir to avoid overflowing). You will then notice that the caliper should now wiggle slightly.
3. Loosen the two caliper guide pins using a hex adapter (which can be bought at any auto parts store) on the back side of the caliper. Don't remove the center bolt unless you plan on messing with the brake lines. Remove the caliper.
4. Have a wire or strap handy to hang the caliper from the spring and don't stretch the brake line too much.
5. Remove the inner and outer brake pad
6. Pull out, or gently tap out the caliper guide pins you loosened earlier and make sure they aren't badly worn or rough. In fact, I would take some fine grit sandpaper, smooth them out, and apply a very very small amount of anti-seize compound - you don't want anti-seize compound on your brakes.
7. Reinstall the caliper guide pins and new brake pads, and mount up the caliper.
8. Tighten caliper guide pins to 38 ft-lbs
9. Pump your brakes several times (the pedal will go all the way to the floor) to seat the new pads and then check your brake fluid level, you'll probably have to add more.
That should be everything. I just did this with powerslot rotors and Hawk HPS pads, and it worked great. Good luck!
apply a very very small amount of anti-seize compound NOT RECOMMEND .Use non-hardening silcone like slyglide. it will keepS moisture out (RUST IS FORMED FROM BARE METAL AND MOISTURE)and will not cake hard like anti sieze and will burn off if excess amounts used. Anti sieze is for metal to metal connect point like brake shoes againist backing plate.
Zach wrote:Don't sand your rotors.
ehh, im posting too early. Please excuse.
thanks fot the tips guys. ive been looking for a hatnes or something similar, but from what ive found, the 03-05 manuals arent out yet. if anyone knows differently, please let me know.
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the brakes(except the drums) haven't changed, so you should be fine with a 95-02 manual.
