Convert the Brake Rotors on a 2004 Ford Explorer.
The brake rotors on the 2004 Ford Explorer are the main components that the brake pads compress against to stop the Explorer. The caliper cylinder pushes the brake pad to the facing of the brake rotor to bring the Explorer to a stop. The brake rotors must be turned or replaced each time that the brake pads are changed. When new brake pads are compressed to worn or grooved brake rotors, it can cause uneven braking.
Instructions
1. Park the 2004 Ford Explorer on level ground. Open up the hood and secure it in place with the hood locking rod. Remove the plastic lid from the brake fluid reservoir.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the front, driver-side wheel with the tire tool. Then, move to the front passenger side and loosen the lug nuts with the tire tool.
3. Slide the floor jack up under the front of the 2004 Ford Explorer and position the jack under the cross frame. Jack the Explorer up and put the jack stands under the side rail on both sides of the explorer. Position the jack stands close to the back side of the front wheels to evenly hold the weight of the front of the Explorer.
4. Lower the Explorer onto the top of the jack stands. Remove the lug nuts from the front driver side. Then, move to the front passenger side and remove the lug nuts from the wheel. Pull the wheels off and set them to the side of the Explorer.
5. Remove the brake caliper from the front driver side of the Explorer. This can be done by removing the two top and bottom caliper mounting bolts from the rear of the caliper with the 3/8-inch drive breaker bar and a socket.
6. Insert the flat end of the flat-head screwdriver into the top of the brake caliper. Push the brake caliper back and forth with the screwdriver until the caliper loosens up. Then, pull the caliper off the top of the brake rotor.
Slide the brake caliper back onto the top of the new brake rotor. Line up the bolt holes and screw the bolts back into the rear of the brake caliper. Tighten the bolts down tight with the 3/8-inch drive breaker bar and a socket.10.
Then, pull the brake rotor off the wheel hub with your hands. Set the old brake rotor to the side and slide the new brake rotor onto the wheel hub. Tap the new brake rotor in place with the rubber mallet.
9.7. Hang the brake caliper to the frame rail or to the front spring with the bungee cord.8. Tap the back side of the brake rotor with the rubber mallet until the brake rotor loosens up from the wheel hub.
Slide the front, driver-side wheel back onto the hub and screw the lug nuts onto the lugs. Tighten the lug nuts down with the tire tool. Follow these same exact instructions for replacing the brake rotor on the front passenger side.
11. Jack the front of the Explorer back up and remove the stands. Lower the Explorer to the ground.
12. Crank the 2004 Ford Explorer and pump the brakes in and out five or six times to fit the brake pads to the proper distance from the new brake rotors. Turn the engine off and check the level of the brake fluid inside of the reservoir. If low, add brake fluid to the reservoir until the level reaches the full mark. Close the hood.
