DIY: Brake rotor replacement (front)

ChrisSlicks · 05-30-2009, 08:56 PM

This article describes how to replace the front brake rotors, the procedure to do the rear is basically the same but I'll only be describing the front.

Tools required:
22mm socket or box wrench (7/8 is a close fit as well if you don't have 22mm)
21mm deep socket
12mm socket
Torque wrench
Needle nose pliers

Start by jacking up the front of the car by the frame, and place a jack stand in a secure location. Lower the car onto the stand.

Remove the front wheel using a 21mm deep socket with impact wrench or tire iron, you should then see this.

Grab the rotor and turn it out for better access.

Remove the brake pads from the caliper by removing the lock pins. Use needle nose pliers to encourage the pads out.

Remove the 12mm nut securing the brake line to the vertical control arm and remove.

Locate the two 22mm bolts on the vertical control arm that secure the caliper, remove these with a 22mm box wrench.

Secure the caliper to the upper control arm temporarily with wire.

The rotor is now loose, kind of. As it is probably rusted in place, encourage it loose with a rubber mallet.

Check the hub for rust that might cause the new rotor to not sit flush.

Install the new rotor, hold it in place with 2 wheel nuts temporarily.

Remount the caliper with the two 22mm bolts, torque to 98ft/lbs. Reattach the brake line to the vertical control arm.

Reinstall the brake pads, and you're done!

If you're new brake rotors are coated like these, drive normally for about 20 miles to remove the coating in the swept area. After that you can follow standard brake bed-in procedure.

molamann · 05-31-2009, 12:09 AM

DIY is always a welcome, + rep.

miguez · 05-31-2009, 09:12 AM

Thanks Chris, well written and great shots!

racerxj17 · 05-31-2009, 03:16 PM

are you sure you have them on the right side? the last two BBK's i had with slotted rotors, the vanes pointed forward, not backward like you show. the easiest way to tell is look at the top of the rotor and see what direction the cooling vanes go........

ChrisSlicks · 05-31-2009, 03:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racerxj17

are you sure you have them on the right side? the last two BBK's i had with slotted rotors, the vanes pointed forward, not backward like you show. the easiest way to tell is look at the top of the rotor and see what direction the cooling vanes go........

They were marked left and right, so it was pretty obvious

Some manufacturers have the slots going in the other direction.

racerxj17 · 05-31-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

They were marked left and right, so it was pretty obvious

Some manufacturers have the slots going in the other direction.

makes it easy. just thought i would point it out just in case. what brand are they? price?

ChrisSlicks · 05-31-2009, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racerxj17

makes it easy. just thought i would point it out just in case. what brand are they? price?

They are the Stoptech. $260 for the front axle if you have to sport package, a little less if you don't.

racerxj17 · 05-31-2009, 05:59 PM

heavier than stock?

ChrisSlicks · 05-31-2009, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by racerxj17

heavier than stock?

1lb lighter according to my scale. Stock was 30.5 lbs, Stoptech was 29 lbs. A 2-piece rotor should save a few pounds per corner.

ZforMe · 06-10-2009, 10:11 AM

Can you take a pic with the wheel on & the finish rubbed off from the pad?

ChrisSlicks · 06-10-2009, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZforMe

Can you take a pic with the wheel on & the finish rubbed off from the pad?

Sure, I'll grab one tonight or tomorrow.

ChrisSlicks · 06-15-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZforMe

Can you take a pic with the wheel on & the finish rubbed off from the pad?

Ok, added a pic. Sorry for the delay.

Minicobra1 · 06-24-2009, 03:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChrisSlicks

They were marked left and right, so it was pretty obvious

Some manufacturers have the slots going in the other direction.

Hey Chris, just curious, my StopTechs came with an illustration showing the slots going forward. Is it b/c I have the drilled and slotted? they were marked left and right as well, but mine are going the opposite direction of yours.

ChrisSlicks · 06-24-2009, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Minicobra1

Hey Chris, just curious, my StopTechs came with an illustration showing the slots going forward. Is it b/c I have the drilled and slotted? they were marked left and right as well, but mine are going the opposite direction of yours.

A lot of rotors have the slots going forwards so I wouldn't worry about that. Just go by the markings or look down the cooling veins with a flashlight to see which way they are going.

kannibul · 06-25-2009, 10:16 AM

Where did you get the rotor / cost?

05-30-2009, 08:56 PM	#1 (permalink)
ChrisSlicks A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: North East Posts: 6,203 Drives: 09 370Z Sport M6 Rep Power: 654	DIY: Brake rotor replacement (front) This article describes how to replace the front brake rotors, the procedure to do the rear is basically the same but I'll only be describing the front. Tools required: 22mm socket or box wrench (7/8 is a close fit as well if you don't have 22mm) 21mm deep socket 12mm socket Torque wrench Needle nose pliers Start by jacking up the front of the car by the frame, and place a jack stand in a secure location. Lower the car onto the stand. Remove the front wheel using a 21mm deep socket with impact wrench or tire iron, you should then see this. Grab the rotor and turn it out for better access. Remove the brake pads from the caliper by removing the lock pins. Use needle nose pliers to encourage the pads out. Remove the 12mm nut securing the brake line to the vertical control arm and remove. Locate the two 22mm bolts on the vertical control arm that secure the caliper, remove these with a 22mm box wrench. Secure the caliper to the upper control arm temporarily with wire. The rotor is now loose, kind of. As it is probably rusted in place, encourage it loose with a rubber mallet. Check the hub for rust that might cause the new rotor to not sit flush. Install the new rotor, hold it in place with 2 wheel nuts temporarily. Remount the caliper with the two 22mm bolts, torque to 98ft/lbs. Reattach the brake line to the vertical control arm. Reinstall the brake pads, and you're done! If you're new brake rotors are coated like these, drive normally for about 20 miles to remove the coating in the swept area. After that you can follow standard brake bed-in procedure. whodareswin likes this. Last edited by ChrisSlicks; 06-15-2009 at 08:54 PM.

06-10-2009, 10:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
ZforMe Base Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Memphis TN Posts: 238 Drives: 370Z Sport Auto PG Rep Power: 17	Can you take a pic with the wheel on & the finish rubbed off from the pad? __________________ 13.369 @ 102.73 Bone Stock. BERK HFC's installed 5/14/09 @ 1490miles, 13.212 @ 106.15. Cobb Post MAF Hoses installed 3/20/10 @ 5,043miles, future: FI exhaust with 18" res and s/s cans.

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05-31-2009, 12:09 AM	#2 (permalink)
molamann A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,666 Drives: 370Z with NAVVVVV Rep Power: 285	DIY is always a welcome, + rep.

05-31-2009, 09:12 AM	#3 (permalink)
miguez Enthusiast Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Columbus, Ohio Posts: 359 Drives: '04 Cavalier Rep Power: 182	Thanks Chris, well written and great shots!

05-31-2009, 03:16 PM	#4 (permalink)
racerxj17 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 555 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 18	are you sure you have them on the right side? the last two BBK's i had with slotted rotors, the vanes pointed forward, not backward like you show. the easiest way to tell is look at the top of the rotor and see what direction the cooling vanes go........

05-31-2009, 05:59 PM	#8 (permalink)
racerxj17 Track Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Socal Posts: 555 Drives: 09 370z Rep Power: 18	heavier than stock?

06-25-2009, 10:16 AM	#15 (permalink)
kannibul A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Jenks, OK Posts: 2,281 Drives: 370z Touring/Sport Rep Power: 268	Where did you get the rotor / cost?