When your rotors become warped or worn down on your Ford Explorer, the result is a very obnoxious shudder every time you hit the brakes, usually accompanied by some thudding and screeching. If this sounds like your Explorer, then it's time to swap out the old rotors for new.
Buy new rotors for your Ford Explorer at your local auto parts store or online. Replace all of the rotors at once or at least the front or rear pair of rotors at the same time for safe braking performance.
Raise your Ford Explorer and be sure to block the wheels to keep your vehicle from rolling while you work. Remove the tire and wheel assembly on the first wheel you intend to work on.
Remove the caliper mounting bolts with a socket wrench or air ratchet. If you can't slide the caliper off of the brake disc (rotor), you may need to use a c-clamp to compress the piston (especially in dual piston models) back to allow you to move the caliper.
Use mechanic's wire to suspend the caliper and attached brake line out of the way while you remove the old rotor. Don't let the brake line get disconnected from the caliper or the brakes will need to be bled.
Pull off the old rotor and then clean the area around the hub with a damp cloth. Apply a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the hub flange and then put the new rotor into position on the hub.
Replace the caliper and brake line to their original positions and then fasten the caliper mounting screws with a torque wrench or an air ratchet with an appropriate adapter to 100 ft. lbs. (136 Nm).
Install the wheel assembly and tire. Repeat the process for each additional rotor. When you've finished, lower your Explorer, tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench and pump the brakes until the pedal feels firm. Test drive your Ford Explorer to make sure that the rotor installation was successful.
