Gather Your Materials
Before you start changing your rotors, you’ll need to gather some materials. Here’s what you’ll need:
- New rotors
- Brake pads
- Brake cleaner
- Lug wrench
- Caliper piston tool (if needed)
- Socket wrench set
- Jack and jack stands
Prepare Your Car
The first step in changing your rotors is to prepare your car. Start by parking your car on a level surface and engaging the parking brake. Then, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. Don’t fully remove them yet, as you’ll need to do this once you jack up the car.
Jack Up Your Car
Once you’ve loosened the lug nuts, it’s time to jack up your car. Place the jack under the designated jacking point, which is usually located near the wheel well. Use the jack to lift the car until the wheel is off the ground. Then, place jack stands under the car to support it.
Remove the Wheel
Now that your car is securely supported, you can remove the wheel. Fully loosen and remove the lug nuts, then carefully pull the wheel off the car.
Remove the Brake Caliper
Next, you’ll need to remove the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench to remove the bolts that hold the caliper in place. Once the bolts are removed, carefully pull the caliper off the rotor.
Remove the Brake Pads
With the caliper removed, you can now remove the brake pads. Simply slide them out of the caliper, being careful not to damage the brake pad clips.
Remove the Rotor
Now that the brake caliper and pads are out of the way, you can remove the old rotor. Depending on your car’s make and model, you may need to use a caliper piston tool to push the piston back into the caliper. Once the piston is compressed, you can remove the rotor by simply sliding it off the hub.
Clean the Brake Components
Before installing the new rotor and brake pads, it’s important to clean the brake components. Use brake cleaner to spray the caliper, pads, and rotor, and wipe them down with a clean rag.
Install the New Rotor
With the brake components cleaned, it’s time to install the new rotor. Simply slide it onto the hub, lining up any holes or slots with the studs.
Install the Brake Pads
Next, you’ll need to install the new brake pads. Slide them into the caliper, making sure they’re properly seated and aligned.
Reinstall the Brake Caliper
Once the new pads are in place, you can reinstall the brake caliper. Make sure the bolts are tightened securely, but be careful not to overtighten them.
Reinstall the Wheel
With the brake components back in place, you can now reinstall the wheel. Carefully align it with the hub, then tighten the lug nuts by hand.
Lower Your Car
Now that the wheel is back on, it’s time to lower your car. Use the jack to lower the car until all four wheels are back on the ground, then use the socket wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts.
Repeat for Other Wheels
If you need to change rotors on more than one wheel, simply repeat the steps above for each wheel. Be sure to clean your brake components each time, and always use new brake pads with new rotors.
FAQs About Changing Rotors
Q: How often should I change my rotors?
A: It depends on your driving habits and the condition of your rotors. Generally, rotors should be changed every 50,000 to 70,000 miles.
Q: How can I tell if my rotors need to be changed?
A: Look for signs of wear and tear, such as grooves or scoring on the rotor surface. You may also notice vibrations or decreased braking performance.
Q: Do I need to change my brake pads when I change my rotors?
A: It’s recommended to change your brake pads when you change your rotors, as old pads can cause uneven wear on new rotors.
Conclusion
Changing rotors may seem daunting, but with the right tools and some patience, it’s a relatively straightforward process. By following the steps above and taking care to clean your brake components, you can ensure that your car’s braking system is in top shape. Remember to always use new brake pads with new rotors, and to change your rotors every 50,000 to 70,000 miles for optimal performance.