These are some fairly simple instructions on how to change out your rotors for a new pair of OEM or performance rotors. This page was written using the rear rotors, though the only difference between front and rear is the parking brake- you must make sure it is off in order to remove the rear rotors. All you will need is your jack and/or jackstands, a 14mm socket wrench, and the "magic bolt" which is an 8mm bolt about 2 inches long. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to email and ask.
Now it is time to get to work and get messy. Start by jacking the car up and (preferably) placing it on jackstands, and remove the wheels. With the wheels off, you can get at the nitty gritty of this job. With the wheel off, you will see your rotor and the brake caliper. You will have to remove the caliper in order to get the rotor off.
This was a tough photo to get- it is of the backside of the hub, behind the rotor and the caliper. This shows the location of the top caliper bracket bolt, which is a 14mm bolt. It is located at approximately the 12 o'clock position if you thought of the rotor like a clock. Remove it completely.
This is the bottom caliper bracket bolt, also a 14mm bolt, and it is located at approximately 5 o'clock. Remove this bolt as well. With the two bolts removed, the caliper should be easy to "wiggle" off of the rotor. A paint can or block of wood should be used to support the caliper- do not let it hang just on the brakeline!
Time to get the rotors off. This is where the "magic bolt" comes into play. Insert the bolt into one of the two holes in the rotor, and start tightening it down. Go about halfway, remove it, and repeat for the other other. With any luck, the rotor will pop right off. If it does not, start in the original hole and bottom out the bolt, and then repeat for the other hole. This will break the rotor free from the hub if it is rusted in place.
With the old rotor off, simply slide on your new rotor.
Now, take the brake caliper, start one edge of the pads on the rotor, and "roll" it on. This eliminates the need for any special tools to squeeze the caliper open. Now just bolt the caliper back on. With the caliper bolted firmly back on using the two 14mm bolts, it's time to put the wheels back on and heat cycle the new rotors. That is done by bringing the car up to about 20 or 30 miles per hour, then braking under normal pressure to about 5 miles per hour. Wait about 15 to 30 seconds, and then repeat. Do this 6 or 8 times, then park the car for about an hour to let the brakes cool down. This will help prevent warping of the rotors- though it is unlikely they will warp, it cannot hurt. With that, you are done.
Standard Disclaimer: Modification of your car involves risks and may void your warranty. I can not be held responsible for the modifications you consciously decide to undertake nor for the results of doing so.
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