Removing Brake Rotors

[mhardy85]

I'm trying to replace the rotors on my 94 XLT 4x4, but I'm having some trouble. I removed the wheels and manual hubs, now I'm stuck. All the guides I have found say to remove a snap ring, but I can't figure out how to remove it. It seems like the snap ring is inside or underneath the outer lock nut. I've tried prying it out but broke off screw drivers. Now I'm stuck. Any help would be great. I'll attach a picture to show what I have. The picture isn't the greatest, but hopefully you can make out everything.

 

[offroadexplor95]

let me see pictires but i dont thnk there is a snap ring

 

[offroadexplor95]

ooooooooooo ur trying to get the back bearing out
right ?

 

[Jpkore]

snap ring

the snap ring is after the driveshaft axle, youll see after the teeth on the shaft theres a small clip thats a half circle right before the outer ring. You said you have manual hubs correct? Even in the auto hub configuration it is there, right before the toothed space, its the first component visible after removing the hub. If the ring isnt there you better go pick one up and put it there!

 

[offroadexplor95]

hes changing his rotor u dont need all that out

 

[Jpkore]

rotor

to replace the rotor in the 94 explorer you need to remove the entire hub assembly it holds the rotor in place preventing you from removing it. Once you have the rotor out you need to remove the outer wheel bearing by removing the seal on the rotor and pulling the bearing out and putting them into the new rotor.

 

[mhardy85]

Thanks for the quick replies, but I'm still not having much luck.

Sorry, forgot the picture in the original post. Maybe there is no snap ring there, hopefully someone can see well enough in the picture. If the snap ring isn't there, how do I remove the lock nut, do I need a special tool? This is my first time working on this truck, or any truck for that matter...I'm use to working on little hondas so this is a bit different for me.

offroadexplor95: I'm still trying to get the hub assembly off. All I have accomplished so far was removing the caliper.

Should the snap ring be in that indent on the shaft? This is where I expected to find it, but there's nothing there, just an indent in the shaft.

 

[MrShorty]

Yes, that snap ring should be in that groove. Since it appears to be missing, finish sliding the washers/etc. off, then take the wheel bearing locknuts off. As noted, be sure to find a new snap ring to slip on there. It and the washers prevent the axleshaft from "sucking" into the spindle.

 

[mhardy85]

From what I can tell, I don't have the washer there either. Seems like both the washer and snap ring are both missing. Hopefully I don't need to get these from the dealer, I'm hoping to finish this up tomorrow (Sunday) - I was hoping to have it finished today but being my first time, I don't want to screw anything up so I'm being a bit cautious and taking my time.

Thanks for the help, these forums have helped me so much, hopefully I can return the favor someday.

 

[RangerX]

Check out this thread: http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=122696

 

[DeRocha]

The 1st gen brake diary in RangerX's post is essential reading. The "C" clip snap ring is pictured below (note the picture shows the locking cam for automatic hubs). After it is removed the splined washer comes off and then you remove the locking Axle hub nuts. You will need a HUB Axle nut socket to remove the manual locknuts. Unlike automatic hubs which are installed with little torque the outer locknut is torqued to 150ft/lbs or more..