Rotters/Brakes and Alternator change

[mmunsee]

I replaced my roaters and brakes when i got the truck because they were shot, and 3 months later the roaters are shot again, why would this happen 3 months after i replaced everything? and also i need to change my alternator is there a how to guide?

 

[Iron Weasel]

Define "shot".

Are they worn beyond the minimum thickness?
Are they warped?

Tell us what you mean by "shot" and we can probably tell you how it happened.

As far as the alternator goes, it's pretty easy.

Disconnect battery ground cable.
Disconnect wiring at voltage regulator.
Remove attaching nut and wiring terminal from alternator output terminal.
Disengage drive belt from alternator.
Remove alternator mounting bolts, then the alternator.
Reverse procedure to install. Torque bolts to 30-40 ft lb .

 

[mmunsee]

SHOT as in i changed them cause when i pushed the break the truck would rattle like crazy so i looked at the roater and they were all warped and gouged, they wern't smooth and flat like there supposed to be, so i changed them and a few months later the truck is rattling like crazy again and it sounds like metal to metal...

 

[Iron Weasel]

Obvious question, but you've replaced the brake pads at some point, right?

If you're warping the rotors and putting grooves onto the surface then either you're going through brake pads in no time flat and causing the rivets on the backing plate to cut into the rotor or you have a mechanical problem that's causing the brakes to drag and causing premature wear.

Warping on its own can be caused by excessive heat buildup and/or over torquing or uneven torquing of the lug nuts. If you use the brakes a lot on a continuous basis, you can cause the rotors to heat up. If you apply the brakes heavily while they're hot, it can deform the rotors slightly - it's especially common in the cheap rotors from Autozone and places like that.

 

[mmunsee]

Well where do you recommend buying rotors from then? I paid 100 for two. and yes i replaced the brake pads when i replaced the rotors

 

[Iron Weasel]

Short of going to a Ford dealer and getting Motorcraft rotors, you're going to end up with rotors of similar quality no matter where you buy them.

Point being, every major chain be it Advance Auto, Autozone, O'Reilly, Napa, etc has anywhere from 1 year to "lifetime" warranty on brake rotors. Take yours back to wherever you bought them and exchange them. While you have everything apart, look at the pads and make sure there is even wear on both pads. If one is worn more than the other then you probably have a mechanical issue contributing to the rotors warping.

Also, when you put the wheels back on, don't go all ape-**** on the lug nuts, they only get 100 lb-ft. Over torquing the lug nuts is one of the biggest things that causes rotors to warp.

 

[mmunsee]

Alright thanks iron weasel