Removing the rotors off of a car due to wear and damage is a weekend project that can be performed in the driveway or under the shade of a tree. The rotors are an integral part of a cars braking system. The brake disc pads grip the rotors when you apply the brakes. The rotors over time can wear thin or become cracked due to high heat from the brake pads. By following a basic procedure you can remove the rotors yourself and keep some hard-earned cash in your pocket.
Raise the front of the car using the car jack. Be sure the car is high enough so you can remove the tire from the wheel area in which you want to remove the rotor.
Place the jack stands under the outside edge of the car frame to add support for the heavy vehicle. Always use jack stands whenever you are working on a vehicle that is elevated with a car jack.
Use the lug nut wrench and remove the wheel from the rotor. Place the lug nuts in a safe place so you don not loose them. Roll the tire out of your way.
Find the appropriate socket and remove the two bolts that hold the brake assembly onto the rotor spindle. You do not have to remove the brake hose for this operation.
Use the correct-size open-end wrench and open the brake fluid bleed port of the brake cylinder. The bleed port will be located at the top of the metal housing that holds the brake pads. Some brake fluid will flow from the port when opened.
Using the C-clamp, push the brake pads away from the rotor.
Place the fixed side of the C-clamp on the rear of the brake cylinder and the threaded movable side on the metal portion of the brake pad that faces you.
Screw the clamp together. Brake fluid will come from the bleed port. Continue to close the clamp until the inner brake pad rests against the brake cylinder housing.
Use the small wrench and close the bleed port and remove the clamp. The brake cylinder assembly can now be easily lifted from the rotor. Set the assembly to the ground or support it on the suspension linkage just behind the rotor.
Use the slotted screwdriver and the small hammer to "tap" off the round dust cover that protects the outer wheel bearing on the rotor.
Set the dust cover to the ground and use the needle nose pliers to remove the keeper or cotter pin that holds the wheel bearing nut in place. Set the cotter pin in the dust cover and place to the side.
Adjust the jaws of the channel lock pliers to the size of the wheel bearing nut and remove the large nut in a counterclockwise direction. The wheel nut should be very loose and easy to unscrew. Place the large nut in the dust cover.
Place both hands on the rotor at the three and nine o'clock position. Gently pull the rotor to you only a half inch and then push it back into place. This will dislodge the outer wheel bearing. Pull the bearing from the spindle and place it in the dust cover Do not allow the wheel bearing to hit the ground. If it does you must throw it away due to contamination. Any small amount of dirt or debris will permanently damage the wheel bearing.
Pull the rotor off of the fixed wheel spindle with both hands and carefully place it out of the way.
