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97 explorer rotor removal

How does the front and rear rotors remove on a 1997 4x4 explorer with V-6? On the front rotors there is a large retaining nut on the axle, is that all that holds them on? If I pull the front rotors will I also expose the 4x4 unit? like on some older 4x4s? How about the back rotors? what is the trick there to get them off? I want to have the rotors turned as they are slightly grooved (but not much) and I just did front and rear pads and now I have a squeaking noise. This noise only happens when I have come to a complete stop and THEN let off of the brake BUT don't apply any gas pedal. As the vehicle slowly rolls forward it then squeaks until I give it a little gas. It sounds like the new pads are sticking to the rotors? It never squeaks when I brake or when I take off with pressure on the gas pedal. This is driving me crazy and the only thing I can think of is that the rotors needed turned. They were only very slighly grooved and measured out will with in tolerance, so I just went the pad route. The vehicle stops great it is just the annoying noise. Thanks for any help.

Reply to
Ken
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DON'T UNDO THE BIG NUT!!!! Jack up the truck, remove the wheel, remove the brake caliper and tie it up out of the way (don't loosen the brake lines). At this point there is nothing holding the rotors on apart from rust! (Maybe there might be a couple of star washer type retainers on some of the lugs (studs here in the UK). Attack the rotors with a blunt instrument and they will come off over the lugs. On the rears it might be beneficial to back off the emergency brake (parking brake?) adjuster star wheels via the aperture in the back plate but other than that the procedure is the same front and rear. Hope this helps

Simon H

Reply to
Simon H

Ken, did you remember to use the blue goop that should have come with the pads? That will eliminate clicking noises, and perhaps your squeaking noise too.

Simon's right - the rotors should come right off. Leave that big nut alone. If you don't feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when you apply the brakes, then I would not turn the rotors. In fact, I wouldn't turn them at all. If you feel a pulsation, just replace the rotors with new ones. These rotors are made of relatively thin metal, and will warp within 10K miles if you turn them (at least, mine did). I used to turn rotors whenever I replaced pads, but not anymore.

I hope this helps. Kevin

Reply to
Kevin D

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