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.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2867-a.jpg



Remove the front wheel using a 21mm deep socket with impact wrench or tire iron, you should then see this.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2866-a.jpg



Grab the rotor and turn it out for better access.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2865-a.jpg



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.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2863-a.jpg



Locate the two 22mm bolts on the vertical control arm that secure the caliper, remove these with a 22mm box wrench.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...4-img-7541.jpg



Secure the caliper to the upper control arm temporarily with wire.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2862-a.jpg



The rotor is now loose, kind of. As it is probably rusted in place, encourage it loose with a rubber mallet.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2861-a.jpg



Check the hub for rust that might cause the new rotor to not sit flush.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2860-a.jpg



Install the new rotor, hold it in place with 2 wheel nuts temporarily.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2859-a.jpg



Remount the caliper with the two 22mm bolts, torque to 98ft/lbs. Reattach the brake line to the vertical control arm.
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2858-a.jpg



Reinstall the brake pads, and you're done!
http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...ture2857-a.jpg


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.

http://www.the370z.com/members/chris...k-together.jpg

DIY is always a welcome, + rep. :D

Thanks Chris, well written and great shots!

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.

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.

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.

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

Sure, I'll grab one tonight or tomorrow.

Ok, added a pic. Sorry for the delay.

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.

Where did you get the rotor / cost?