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replacing the rotors on the 2004

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New Whiteland, IN.
Year, Model & Trim Level
04 explorer
I changed the brake pads all around andtook it out for a test spin. I need to replace the rotors. I have never done that. Can someone give me the how to? Thanks in advance
 



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I changed the brake pads all around andtook it out for a test spin. I need to replace the rotors. I have never done that. Can someone give me the how to? Thanks in advance

I haven't done this on my X yet, but it should t be too hard.
If you did the brakes, you already had the calipers off - take it off again.
The rotor should then just slide off over the lugs. You might have to fiddle with the hand brake as they may be very close to the inside the drum part of the rotor

Someone who'd done it should be able to confirm this.
 






I haven't done the backs yet, but on the fronts there is a clip thing that holds the rotor in place. Just break it off and then the rotor comes off. You do not need to replace it. Should be easy. You may also look into getting some brake cleaner to clean the coating off the new rotors. I have heard that if you didn't, they could squeal. Not sure about that, but I had some cleaner and just cleaned them.
 






you where half way there. When i did my fronts there is a caliper bracket that needs to come off to. the Caliper bracket is held on by two bigger bolts than the caliper bolts. Put them back on using blue loctite or something similar. Also look for the retaining clips on the rotor, they are used only in the factory and you don't need to reuse them. Then get the BFH out and hit the back side of the rotor to break it free from the rust. May take 1 wack may take 30 wacks. It will come off.
 






Thanks for the information. I will replace the rotors this weekend.
 






Yea, have fun removing the rear rotors - before you attempt, DO yourself a favor, SEARCH on here first as to how to do the rears - because the rear rotors are a PIA to remove... Some have problems, some don't - but be prepared to be in the 98% percentile of those that DO have rear rotor removal issues... LMAO...

fronts are simple...
 






One thing to keep in mind is that you may end up needing a new set of parking brake shoes. when I replaced my rear rotors the fiction material fell off the parking brake shoes when i was removing the rotors.

Removing the rotors was a little pain in the ass. There is a knock out in the backing plate that will allow you to get to the adjuster for the parking brake, and that should make it a breeze. I only figured it our after getting the rotors off.

And if you end up needing new parking brake shoes, they are a pain in the butt to replace. not much room to work with the rear hub in the way.
 






Guess i was in that good 2% percentile who didnt have the problem taking rear rotors off. They pulled right off as I turned them a little clockwise/counterclockwise on each pull.
 






Guess i was in that good 2% percentile who didnt have the problem taking rear rotors off. They pulled right off as I turned them a little clockwise/counterclockwise on each pull.

I was the other one in that 2%.

Replaced all 4 rotors a few weeks ago.
 






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