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David Stoj Posted on Nov 11, 2013
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Replacing pads and rotor - 2008 Mercury Milan

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fordexpert

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  • Mercury Master 5,692 Answers
  • Posted on Nov 12, 2013
fordexpert
Mercury Master
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Joined: Apr 20, 2009
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Front and back rotors are different. For front rotors, after you remove the wheel you need to remove the bolts holding the caliper to the mounting spindle. The bolt can be a standard 6 face head, a recessed hex, or even a torx or star head recessed bolt.

With bolts removed, the caliper can be worked away from the anti-rattle clips the caliper slides on. These clips are called "hardware" and should be replaced.

The caliper pistons need to be pressed back into position because the new pads are thicker than what you removed. The calipers should be tied and suspended and not allowed to hang by their brake lines while you work with the rotors. Use a "c" clamp and an old brake pad to press the pistons back in. Sometimes it is good to remove the cap on the Master cylinder to allow for brake fluid to travel back to the Master.

Either replace or turn the old rotors and then put the brake hardware in place. Lube the caliper slides. then as a unit position the pads into the caliper and hang the caliper over the rotor. The caliper will hang and pivot into place. Replace and tighten the mounting bolts.

The rear brakes are more of a problem due to a second set of Emergency brakes in rear assemblies. So you have 2 sets of rear brakes, the Emergencies requiring clearance to remove the rear rotors. Some car models require readjustment of the Emergency cables before reassembly.

In all, I would suggest that you be an observer for your first brake job. At least get a Video of the process at a number of autoparts stores. You can wind up with a car you can not drive or reassemble without help.

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Is it ok to replaced rear Rotors with out replacing break pads?

OK if they are smooth and thick. It's not dangerous; it doesn't cause uneven braking, but I wouldn't advise putting very ridged pads back in - as they will tend to accelerate the wear on the disc/rotor. You CAN take the worst of the ridges out with a file, if you can use a file accurately and don't taper the pad... Don't use emery paper as some abrasive will remain in the pad and wear the disc/rotor. Also if the pads are very worn down, they will wear away quicker and could damage your new disc/rotor.
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Do rotors wear out before the break pads do? I own a Honda CR-V 2009 and was just told my rotors need machening but I don't need to replace the break pads. Can this be right?


Hi Nancy,

Typically pads need to be changed more than once before rotors needs to be *replaced*. Most shops machine rotors when changing pads to give them a smooth, even surface. Machining removes groves that cut into them as a result of normal wear (or if pads are not replaced promptly). Machining can straighten warped rotors due to excessive heat / quick cooling. These are definitely NOT considered "worn out".

Worn out rotors must be *replaced* if they are too badly damaged, rusted, etc. or if they have been machine so many times that they are too thin to safely brake the car. There are specific guidelines that spell out exactly how thin rotors can be before they must be replaced. Mechanics measure the thickness of the rotor with a micrometer which reveal thicknesses to the 1/1000 of an inch.

I hope this was helpful & good luck!
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When driving a 1990 300E, the front wheels shake when applying the brakes, Brake pads have at least 70% remaining. Alignment was good when last checked.

Most likely problem is brake rotors warped. If you replaced pads without machining rotors, or if rotors are getting worn and close to minimum thickness, warping is more likely. If you replace the rotors, replace the pads at the same time. The pads that are on the car now are wearing unevenly due to the warped rotors and can cause new problems for the new ones.
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Look through the openings in your front wheels and look at the front rotors-are they gouged up? You are probably running metal-to-metal, pads to rotors.
Chances are real good your rotors will have to be replaced along with new pads, but if you catch it early enough you might be able to have them machined, although nowadays that is hardly easy to get done and the savings usually is not as significant as it once was.
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Normally, unless the caliper is not functioning or leaking brake fluid you don't have to replace it.
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Here is Video of How to replace front brake pads and rotors, and rear brake pads on toyota camry solara 2006
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