Your vehicle's braking system involves a fairly complex arrangement of parts. One of the most important of those parts is the brake rotor. This can be either vented or non-vented.
Brake Rotor
The rotor is the main stopping mechanism of the disc brake, which is the type of brake used in most modern cars. When the brake pedal is pushed down, the brake pads press against the rotors to stop the vehicle. The amount of stopping force applied to the rotors is proportional to the amount of pressure applied to the brake pedal.
Vented Brake Rotors
Vented brake rotors have holes and grooves drilled through them all around the perimeter of the brake. This allows for faster dissipation of heat that builds up when the brake pads act on the rotor. Vented brake rotors are most often used in large or high-speed vehicles. They are also often made out of ceramic or other strong synthetic materials.
Non-Vented Brake Rotors
Non-vented brake rotors are most commonly made of solid iron. They are better suited for smaller, slower commuter vehicles (small cars, light trucks, small vans). Non-vented brake rotors also tend to last longer than vented ones.
Read More »»
Showing posts with label rotors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label rotors. Show all posts
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Friday, November 19, 2010
Install Drilled Rotors
Rotors are important brake system components. Calipers squeeze the brake pads that surround the rotors, which helps to slow or stop a vehicle. Rotors are available in a variety of designs and sizes, so you will have no problem finding ones that work with your vehicle braking system. Drilled rotors feature holes that help keep the metal cool, which reduces slippage between the pad and the rotor surface and makes it easier for your vehicle to slow down or stop. Save time and money, by replacing your automobile rotors yourself.
Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a level work surface, to prevent the car from rolling. Apply the emergency brake, and turn off the ignition.
2. Place a floor jack under the lift point of the tire that is being removed, so you can access the rotors. Lift the car, slightly, and loosen the wheel lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the wheel completely off the ground, and remove the loosened lug nuts and wheel to expose the brake caliper.
3. Remove the bolts that secure the caliper and the caliper bracket, using a ratchet and an appropriate-sized socket. Tie the unsecured caliper to the strut assembly with string, to prevent it from hanging on the brake line that is still attached to the back.
4. Slide the rotor off the wheel spindle and lug bolts. Tap on the back of the rotor with a hammer or mallet to loosen it, if it is stuck.
5. Slide the new, drilled rotor over the spindle and lug bolts. Reattach the caliper bracket that typically surrounds the rotor, using the ratchet and socket.
6. Place a C-clamp over the body of the caliper so that one end rests against the face of the old brake pad, and the other end is at the rear. Tighten the clamp, to push the brake piston back into the caliper body, so it can be fitted with new pads. Remove the old pads, and install the new ones.
7. Slide the caliper over the newly installed rotors. Secure the caliper into place, with the same bolts that were removed, previously, with a ratchet and socket. Place the wheel over the lug bolts, and tighten them, along with the nuts.
8. Lower the floor jack, so the tire makes contact with the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with a tire iron. Remove the floor jack from that specific lift point, and continue to the next tire. Step on the brake pedal to put pressure into the calipers, which will press the brake pads into place, when all of the rotors are installed. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Park the vehicle on a level work surface, to prevent the car from rolling. Apply the emergency brake, and turn off the ignition.
2. Place a floor jack under the lift point of the tire that is being removed, so you can access the rotors. Lift the car, slightly, and loosen the wheel lug nuts with a tire iron. Raise the wheel completely off the ground, and remove the loosened lug nuts and wheel to expose the brake caliper.
3. Remove the bolts that secure the caliper and the caliper bracket, using a ratchet and an appropriate-sized socket. Tie the unsecured caliper to the strut assembly with string, to prevent it from hanging on the brake line that is still attached to the back.
4. Slide the rotor off the wheel spindle and lug bolts. Tap on the back of the rotor with a hammer or mallet to loosen it, if it is stuck.
5. Slide the new, drilled rotor over the spindle and lug bolts. Reattach the caliper bracket that typically surrounds the rotor, using the ratchet and socket.
6. Place a C-clamp over the body of the caliper so that one end rests against the face of the old brake pad, and the other end is at the rear. Tighten the clamp, to push the brake piston back into the caliper body, so it can be fitted with new pads. Remove the old pads, and install the new ones.
7. Slide the caliper over the newly installed rotors. Secure the caliper into place, with the same bolts that were removed, previously, with a ratchet and socket. Place the wheel over the lug bolts, and tighten them, along with the nuts.
8. Lower the floor jack, so the tire makes contact with the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with a tire iron. Remove the floor jack from that specific lift point, and continue to the next tire. Step on the brake pedal to put pressure into the calipers, which will press the brake pads into place, when all of the rotors are installed. Read More »»
Thursday, November 18, 2010
2000 Golf GTI Brake Rotor Specs
Just as with any vehicle, when performing a brake job on a 2000 Volkswagen Golf GTI you must check the rotors for machining or reuse. Every manufacturer provides guidelines -- specifications -- for the dimensions of its cars' rotors. There are three main specifications that Volkswagen provides in regard to rotor dimensions: discard thickness, minimal machining and nominal thickness.
Discard Thickness
"Discard thickness" is the minimum thickness that the manufacturer recommends the rotor can be before it must be replaced. If the rotor falls below this specification, you must replace it to avoid damage to the braking system. The front rotors of the 2000 Golf GTI have a discard thickness of .394 inches with a solid rotor and .709 inches with a vented rotor. The rear rotors, for GTIs equipped with rear disk brakes, have a discard rating of .315 inches.
Minimal Machining Rating
The "minimal machining" rating is the measurement that determines if the rotor is eligible for resurfacing or machining. If the rotor's width falls below this number it is not recommended by the manufacturer to machine, or resurface, the rotor. The front rotors have a minimal machining rating of .866 inches with an FN3 caliper, and .748 inches with an FS II caliper.The rear rotors' minimal machining specification is .276 inches.
Nominal Thickness
The "nominal thickness" of a rotor is the thickness of the disk when it is new. The front rotors' nominal thickness on the 2000 Golf GTI is .472 inches for a solid rotor and .788 inches for a vented rotor. The rear rotors have a nominal thickness of .394 inches. Read More »»
Discard Thickness
"Discard thickness" is the minimum thickness that the manufacturer recommends the rotor can be before it must be replaced. If the rotor falls below this specification, you must replace it to avoid damage to the braking system. The front rotors of the 2000 Golf GTI have a discard thickness of .394 inches with a solid rotor and .709 inches with a vented rotor. The rear rotors, for GTIs equipped with rear disk brakes, have a discard rating of .315 inches.
Minimal Machining Rating
The "minimal machining" rating is the measurement that determines if the rotor is eligible for resurfacing or machining. If the rotor's width falls below this number it is not recommended by the manufacturer to machine, or resurface, the rotor. The front rotors have a minimal machining rating of .866 inches with an FN3 caliper, and .748 inches with an FS II caliper.The rear rotors' minimal machining specification is .276 inches.
Nominal Thickness
The "nominal thickness" of a rotor is the thickness of the disk when it is new. The front rotors' nominal thickness on the 2000 Golf GTI is .472 inches for a solid rotor and .788 inches for a vented rotor. The rear rotors have a nominal thickness of .394 inches. Read More »»
Monday, November 15, 2010
Floating Brake Rotors Vs. Solid Brake Rotors
Floating brake rotors are made from two pieces of metal instead of one solid piece. Floating brake rotors feature an outer ring that is contacted by the brake pads and an inner ring that attaches to the wheel.
Warping
Brake rotors can be subjected to extreme temperatures. Though the brake rotor is made from materials meant to withstand this temperature, rotors can and do warp. Floating rotors reduce the chances of warping as the outer ring can heat up and expand without impacting the inner ring which stays much cooler as it is not in contact with the brake pads.
Rotor Life
The constant expansion and contraction of the brake rotor will cause the rotor material to weaken and eventually fail. Floating rotors are less impacted by this heat as the outer ring is allowed to expand independent of the inner ring, giving the floating rotors a longer service life than solid rotors.
Cost
Solid brake rotors are much less expensive than floating rotors as they are much simpler to manufacture. Though more expensive to purchase than solid rotors, the longer life of floating rotors may offset their cost over the life of the bike. Read More »»
Warping
Brake rotors can be subjected to extreme temperatures. Though the brake rotor is made from materials meant to withstand this temperature, rotors can and do warp. Floating rotors reduce the chances of warping as the outer ring can heat up and expand without impacting the inner ring which stays much cooler as it is not in contact with the brake pads.
Rotor Life
The constant expansion and contraction of the brake rotor will cause the rotor material to weaken and eventually fail. Floating rotors are less impacted by this heat as the outer ring is allowed to expand independent of the inner ring, giving the floating rotors a longer service life than solid rotors.
Cost
Solid brake rotors are much less expensive than floating rotors as they are much simpler to manufacture. Though more expensive to purchase than solid rotors, the longer life of floating rotors may offset their cost over the life of the bike. Read More »»
How to Tell If Brake Rotors Need to Be Replaced
If you consider the brake system of your car the first line of defense against accidents, the brake rotors control the action of the brakes. When you step on the brake pedal inside the car, the brake rotors squeeze the brake pads, which in turn makes the wheels stop safely. Knowing when to replace the brake rotors is important to the health of your brake system and the safety of your car.
Procedure to replace Brake Rotors:
1. Listen to the sound coming from your car when using the brakes during a drive. If you hear any scraping or grinding noises when you engage the brakes, inspect the rotors immediately.
2. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left and park the car. Moving the wheel to the extreme will expose the brake rotor.
3. Locate the rotor behind the wheel. The rotor is shaped like a disc and runs in between the brake pads.
4. Read the writing on the rotor to find the recommended thickness from the manufacturer. The numerical measurement is the minimum thickness at which the rotor can be operated.
5. Measure the thickness of the rotor with a measuring tape. If it is lower than the number written on the rotor, it needs replacing.
Read More »»
Procedure to replace Brake Rotors:
1. Listen to the sound coming from your car when using the brakes during a drive. If you hear any scraping or grinding noises when you engage the brakes, inspect the rotors immediately.
2. Turn the steering wheel all the way to the right or left and park the car. Moving the wheel to the extreme will expose the brake rotor.
3. Locate the rotor behind the wheel. The rotor is shaped like a disc and runs in between the brake pads.
4. Read the writing on the rotor to find the recommended thickness from the manufacturer. The numerical measurement is the minimum thickness at which the rotor can be operated.
5. Measure the thickness of the rotor with a measuring tape. If it is lower than the number written on the rotor, it needs replacing.
Read More »»
Sunday, November 14, 2010
How to Install Brake Rotors in a Montero
Mitsubishi Montero uses front disc brakes to help stop your SUV when you push on the brake pedal. The disc brakes consist of three primary parts: the caliper, the brake pads and the brake rotor. When you replace the rotor, you must replace the brake pads, which wear on the the rotor in a unique pattern. If you replace the rotor without replacing the brake pads, you will compromise the ability of the brakes to stop your Montereo.
Procedure:
1. Park the Montero on level ground. Lift the hood and prop it open. Remove the cap from the brake master cylinder located against the firewall on the driver's side of the Montero.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the driver's side front tire using the tire iron supplied with the Montero.
3. Place a jack under the frame directly behind the tire. Raise the Montero until you can place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stand.
4. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the wheel studs.
5. Remove the two bolts that thread into the backside of the wheel caliper, using a socket and ratchet.
6. Pull the wheel caliper off the rotor and hang it off the coil over-spring using a wire tie.
7. Remove the splined washer from the wheel stud. Only one wheel stud has the washer. Use a screwdriver to pry it off.
8. Pull the rotor off the axle hub and wheel studs. If necessary, hit the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet to get it off the axle hub.
9. Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs and axle hub. Slide the splined washer onto one of the wheel studs to lock the rotor in place.
10. Place a pair of vice grips over the rear brake pad on the caliper and force the piston closed. This makes room for the thicker brake rotor and brake pads.
11. Remove both brake pads from the caliper and place the new pads into the caliper. The pads do not bolt in place.
12. Slide the brake caliper over the rotor and secure it with the two bolts, using the socket and ratchet.
13. Remount the wheel on the wheel studs and secure it using the lug nuts and the tire iron.
14. Raise the Montero until you can remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Doublecheck the lug nut tightness with the tire iron.
15. Duplicate the process on the passenger's side brake.
16. Close the cap on the brake master cylinder once you complete the rotor replacement on the passenger's side of the Montero. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Park the Montero on level ground. Lift the hood and prop it open. Remove the cap from the brake master cylinder located against the firewall on the driver's side of the Montero.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the driver's side front tire using the tire iron supplied with the Montero.
3. Place a jack under the frame directly behind the tire. Raise the Montero until you can place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the vehicle onto the jack stand.
4. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the wheel studs.
5. Remove the two bolts that thread into the backside of the wheel caliper, using a socket and ratchet.
6. Pull the wheel caliper off the rotor and hang it off the coil over-spring using a wire tie.
7. Remove the splined washer from the wheel stud. Only one wheel stud has the washer. Use a screwdriver to pry it off.
8. Pull the rotor off the axle hub and wheel studs. If necessary, hit the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet to get it off the axle hub.
9. Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs and axle hub. Slide the splined washer onto one of the wheel studs to lock the rotor in place.
10. Place a pair of vice grips over the rear brake pad on the caliper and force the piston closed. This makes room for the thicker brake rotor and brake pads.
11. Remove both brake pads from the caliper and place the new pads into the caliper. The pads do not bolt in place.
12. Slide the brake caliper over the rotor and secure it with the two bolts, using the socket and ratchet.
13. Remount the wheel on the wheel studs and secure it using the lug nuts and the tire iron.
14. Raise the Montero until you can remove the jack stand. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Doublecheck the lug nut tightness with the tire iron.
15. Duplicate the process on the passenger's side brake.
16. Close the cap on the brake master cylinder once you complete the rotor replacement on the passenger's side of the Montero. Read More »»
How to Replace the Rotors on a 1996 Aerostar
The Ford Aerostar brake rotor should be smooth and free of any defects. Replacing brake rotors on a Ford Aerostar is not difficult. You can easily take care of the project in your driveway, so there is no need to waste your hard-earned dollars on labor charges. The more that you use the brakes, the faster the rotors will wear and the more likely they are to be damaged. You have to inspect the rotors periodically to make sure that they stay in good condition. Brakes that are not in optimal condition are less likely to work the way they should.
Procedure:
Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Aerostar. Raise the vehicle using the jack. Place a jack stand under it and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel using the lug wrench and pull the wheel off.
2. Loosen the retaining bolts on the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper off the mounting bracket and secure it to the strut using a wire tie. Pry the grease cup off the wheel hub using a screwdriver. Pull the cotter pin from the shaft using the pliers. Remove the castellated retaining nut from the shaft using a wrench. Remove the shaft nut with the wrench and pull off the washer. Remove the outer bearing cone and roller assembly from the shaft. Pull the rotor off the wheel assembly.
3. Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Push the roller assembly and outer bearing cone back onto the shaft. Place the washer on the shaft. Install the retaining nut and tighten it with a wrench. Install the castellated retaining nut and tighten it with the wrench. Insert a cotter pin into the opening on the shaft and spread it apart with the pliers. Place the brake caliper on the mounting bracket and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet.
4. Put the wheel on the Aerostar and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel. Read More »»
Procedure:
Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels of the Aerostar. Raise the vehicle using the jack. Place a jack stand under it and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel using the lug wrench and pull the wheel off.
2. Loosen the retaining bolts on the brake caliper using a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper off the mounting bracket and secure it to the strut using a wire tie. Pry the grease cup off the wheel hub using a screwdriver. Pull the cotter pin from the shaft using the pliers. Remove the castellated retaining nut from the shaft using a wrench. Remove the shaft nut with the wrench and pull off the washer. Remove the outer bearing cone and roller assembly from the shaft. Pull the rotor off the wheel assembly.
3. Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Push the roller assembly and outer bearing cone back onto the shaft. Place the washer on the shaft. Install the retaining nut and tighten it with a wrench. Install the castellated retaining nut and tighten it with the wrench. Insert a cotter pin into the opening on the shaft and spread it apart with the pliers. Place the brake caliper on the mounting bracket and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet.
4. Put the wheel on the Aerostar and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel. Read More »»
How to Remove Stubborn Brake Rotors
A stubborn brake rotor can be a challenge to remove. Changing the disc brakes on a vehicle is relatively straightforward. You remove the wheel, pull the caliper off and then slide the rotor off the wheel hub. The plan works just fine until you run into a stubborn rooter that has seized on the wheel hub. This quickly brings a 20-minute job to a screeching halt. There are a few things you can do to get that rotor off the wheel hub
Procedure:
1. Inspect the wheel studs on the axle. The rotor slides over the wheel studs, and a small splined washer holds the rotor onto the studs. This is often overlooked when doing a brake job, and with the splined washer in place, the rotor is almost impossible to get off. If you locate the splined washer still on one of the wheel studs, remove it by prying it off with a small flat-head screwdriver.
2. Spray the wheel studs and the axle hub with liquid rust remover, such as Liquid Wrench, WD-40 or Rust Breaker. Use a liberal amount. Make sure you spray the axle hub on the back of the rotor. Apply more spray every 10 minutes and allow the liquid rust remover at least 30 minutes to penetrate.
3. Pound the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet if you plan to reuse the rotor. If you are going to use a new rotor, use a 5-pound sledgehammer. Rotate the rotor as you strike the back of it until you break the rust free and the rotor pops off the axle hub. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Inspect the wheel studs on the axle. The rotor slides over the wheel studs, and a small splined washer holds the rotor onto the studs. This is often overlooked when doing a brake job, and with the splined washer in place, the rotor is almost impossible to get off. If you locate the splined washer still on one of the wheel studs, remove it by prying it off with a small flat-head screwdriver.
2. Spray the wheel studs and the axle hub with liquid rust remover, such as Liquid Wrench, WD-40 or Rust Breaker. Use a liberal amount. Make sure you spray the axle hub on the back of the rotor. Apply more spray every 10 minutes and allow the liquid rust remover at least 30 minutes to penetrate.
3. Pound the back of the rotor with a rubber mallet if you plan to reuse the rotor. If you are going to use a new rotor, use a 5-pound sledgehammer. Rotate the rotor as you strike the back of it until you break the rust free and the rotor pops off the axle hub. Read More »»
How to Remove Calipers from a Car's Rotor
Brake calipers are designed with a hydraulic piston that presses the brake pads against the rotor when you step on the brake pedal, causing the vehicle to stop. When the brake calipers develop a leak in the piston, the vehicle will stop erratically or not at all. Removing the brake calipers from the rotor is a job that can be completed in about 30 minutes. Save time and money by removing the brake calipers yourself.
Procedure:
1. Set the parking brake of the vehicle and place a wood block behind one of the rear tires to keep the vehicle from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts one complete turn on the tire you are removing, using a tire tool.
2. Raise the vehicle with a jack and slide a jack stand under the axle, next to the tire to be removed. Lower the vehicle so it is resting on the jack stand.
3. Remove the tire from the wheel hub, taking the lug nuts off with the tire tool. Set the tire out of the way.
4. Unfasten the bolts on the top and bottom of the brake caliper with a socket wrench until you can slide the bolts out of the caliper by hand.
5. Lift the brake caliper off the rotor and remove the brake pads from the caliper. Suspend the brake caliper from the vehicle frame with a wire hanger. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Set the parking brake of the vehicle and place a wood block behind one of the rear tires to keep the vehicle from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts one complete turn on the tire you are removing, using a tire tool.
2. Raise the vehicle with a jack and slide a jack stand under the axle, next to the tire to be removed. Lower the vehicle so it is resting on the jack stand.
3. Remove the tire from the wheel hub, taking the lug nuts off with the tire tool. Set the tire out of the way.
4. Unfasten the bolts on the top and bottom of the brake caliper with a socket wrench until you can slide the bolts out of the caliper by hand.
5. Lift the brake caliper off the rotor and remove the brake pads from the caliper. Suspend the brake caliper from the vehicle frame with a wire hanger. Read More »»
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