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How to Change Rotors

From here we will learn how to change rotors. It is not hard to do for most cars. Follow the steps below and it should be a snap. Let's learn how to change rotors.

Step 6

Remove the lug nuts then remove the tire and set it aside. Sometimes I will place the tire near the brakes so I can use it as a stool to sit on. This makes the job more enjoyable and makes it easier to see what I’m working on.

Wheel off showing brake parts

Here are the important parts

Step 7

Now that the tire is removed you can closely inspect the brake pads and rotor. Be sure to make mental notes of how everything is arranged so it will be easier to get it back together. If you are just learning how to change brake pads or how to change rotors then you might even want to snap some pictures for reference in case you forget or don’t have a repair manual to use.

Step 8

Remove the brake caliper. If you were just replacing the brake pads and not the rotor then you would remove the bolts marked “A” in the photo below. Since I am showing you how to replace brake pads and rotors you will need to remove the complete caliper assembly. You will remove the bolts marked “B” in the photo below. This will take a couple minutes extra, but really not a big deal.

Bolts to remove brake caliper

After the bolts are loose (they will be fairly tight) you can usually slide the caliper off with your hands, but you might need to pry on the gently to get them off of the rotor. After you get it off use your mechanics wire to wire it up to the suspension. This will keep pressure off of the brake hose. If the wire is not used it could cause the brake fluid hose to fail and that would cause the brake system to stop working very quickly because all the fluid would leak out.

Wire caliper to strut

Caliper wired to suspension

Step 9

Remove old rotor. Some rotors are held in place by screws, but most are not. If there are no screws and the rotor does not come free after removing the caliper then you might need to tap on it gently with a hammer. Be sure to tap right around where the rotor contacts the hub. Sometimes rust and debris will build up here causing the rotor to stick to the hub. These are some things that can cause problems when learning how to change rotors.

Removing rotor retainer screw

Rotor removed

Step 10

Remove new rotor from packaging and use brake cleaner to clean the rotor. When brake rotors are packaged the manufacturer coats them with a rust inhibitor. This is a sticky film that must be removed before installing a new rotor. Brake cleaner will take it right off. Be sure to use your gloves when using brake cleaner as it is not good to get on your skin.

After the rotor is clean install it onto the hub. Be sure not to touch the surface of the rotor where the brake pads will ride. You want them to be as clean as possible. Install the screws if it has them.

Cleaning new rotor with brake cleaner

Cleaning new rotor with shop towel

Carefully installing rotor

Step 11

Use brake cleaner to spray down the caliper. This will not only clean it but also it will keep all of the brake dust particles from getting into your nose. These can be toxic. If you don’t spray them down then you need to be wearing a dust mask. Remove the brake pads. After the pads are removed it is time to compress the brake caliper piston. When learning how to change rotors I didn’t realize that there were several different styles of pistons and some of them require special tools to compress. Be sure to check your owners manual or use an online service manual to see if any special tools are required. Most of the time you can just use a universal caliper piston compressor tool. Sometimes I leave the brake pad that goes against the piston there so I can use it to press the piston in. Also, you will want to check the brake fluid. It is is on the “full” mark in the brake fluid reservoir then you will need to get some of the fluid out. I use a turkey baster to suck out the extra brake fluid. The reason you need to do this is because when you compress the brake caliper piston you will be pushing brake fluid back up into the brake fluid reservoir and if it is already almost full then it will spill out all over your engine compartment. Brake fluid will eat paint so if it gets on anything painted it needs to be washed off asap. You might even want to keep a small bucket of water nearby in case it spills.

Brake caliper piston out