Hey everyone,

I would like to change my rotors on the front and rear of my 1996 I30 just because they are old and I would like to have them new and fresh. I am not looking to change the size or supe them up or anything, I want to stay with the same size and all, but just put new ones on. (I don't knnow much or anything about this stuff)

Can someone please tell me the following to help me out?

1) Is this something that I can do myself rather easily?
2) What size rotors do I need to buy?
3) Where is the best place to buy rotors?
4) What type of rotors should I get?
5) About how long should this job take for someone who knows nothing abuut this stuff?
6) I have seen slotted rotors a lot. Why do I want those and can I use them with my factory brake pads and calipers?

What rotors do I need to buy that WILL WORK WITH EVERYTHING I HAVE ON THE CAR NOW?

Thanks for your help everybody.

 

I did this myself back in April when I bought my car back in April (I replaced front and rear rotors, calipers, and pads.)

1. Yes you can do it yourself if you have the appropriate tools... Jack, jack stands, sockets to take of tire and brake parts

2. I bought my rotors from Autozone. There were like $20 for the rear and $30 for the front if I remember correctly.

3. Are you trying to buy performance rotors, save money and buy rotors that work work the originals, or what? Like I mentioned above, I just wanted rotors to replace my originals and Autozone worked great for me. I've had the brakes on since April, this was my first brake job, and they haven't squeeked or squeeled since then. I don't know where to buy performance rotors.

4. See above response.

5. It will probably take you a couple hours if you've never done it before. Plan on doing it when you have some time.

6. Drilled and/or slotted rotors are more effective because they cool down quicker that standard rotors. If you're into autocrossing or something, I can see how spending the extra money would be worth it, but if you're just replacing your brakes because you want nice, new brakes to get you around town, don't waste your money on drilled/slotted rotors and ceramic brakes and all that jazz. Hit up your local autozone/pep boys/advanced auto/etc and get the cheap stuff.

 

I just did it last week. In addition to what was said by colossus, I woudl recommend replacing your pads as well. It will make BOTH last longer.

By the way, I would be happy to help you if you want to have some help. I move to Falls Church this weekend, but you can come by one evening next week and we can knock it out in an hour or so.

 

And since I've never done it, here are some tips I learned from the experience:

1. Use the motorvate.ca site for the front brakes... you will have no problem. The rear brakes are a little different because the rear calipers must be twisted counter clockwise in order to become depressed... they don't go straight in like the motorvate.ca says. This caused me to ruin my rear calipers =) Damn motorvate!

2. If the rotors are stuck on after you take everything off, use a rubber mallet or heavy chunk or wood / plastic / metal / whatever and bang the heck of it on the front and back until it comes off. I was being a big nancy boy about it at first and it took me nearly 20 mins to take the 1st rotor off... I was afraid to hit it too hard. Don't be like that or you'll be working on this all day. If it's stuck, bang the **** out of it.

3. Replace your pads (like PHenry reco'd) when you do your rotors. Instead of brake grease on the pads, use blue spray brake adhesive at autozone, it rocks. My favorite mechanic swears by the stuff, he always tells me how it cures 85% of his customers brake squeel/squeek problems.

 

Excellent point. There IS another way to remove the rotors (using a screw) but it is a PITA. I used the BFH method described by colossus.

 

Ahhh... Brotherly Love!

I also had a problem removing one of my rear rotors when installing my wheel spacers. I was not replacing my rotors, so I did not want to beat on them with a hammer. Just put on a glove and brushed up on my boxing . Since you are replacing yours, you might as well use the hammer. I bet it is a lot quicker.

 

You Left Coast people are jealous!

 

Sweet! Thanks for all your help everybody! I think I may try this soon. I think I will just go with standard rotors from autozone like Colossus did.

I have a mechanics tool set as well as the tool you need to depress the rear calipers, so I should be good to go as far as tools.

The thing I am the most worried about is getting the rotors off the car. It looks to me like there is a pin or something holding them on???

Is it safe to assume that this job is not as easy as
taking the wheels off
taking the calipers off of the rotor
pulling the rotor off the car

THEN

Putting the new rotor on
putting the caliper back on the rotor
putting the rin back on

????????????

Thanks again everyone and I will let you know if I attempt this or not.

phenryiv1: thanks for the offer to help. I will let you know if I attempt this and see if your interested in helping. I appreciate it.

 

It pretty much is that easy! The pin you see is not holding on the rotor. Only thing that holds on the rotor is the caliper and the lug nuts.

And yes... I am jealous!

 

There is no pin.

It goes jack up, wheels off, caliper off, caliper arm off, rotor off, install pads/rotors, replace caliper arm, depress piston, replace caliper, replace wheels, lower car.

 

Exactly...I used the screw method to get mine off. It wasn't really that bad...you just stick in and turn, and then the rotor comes off. I find it easier than hitting it with a rubber mallet.

 

Very very very SWEET!!!! I am so glad to hear that something is just that easy! FINALLY!!

NewLoveI30: why are you jealous? LOL

Well thanks again everyone. I may try this very soon. If you are driving around my town and you see me walking, then you know I F**ked it up and my car is still on jacks. LOL

Thanks

 

Can you remember the proper screw/bolt size to pop it off?

 

We can knock it out in just a short while if you want the help. Let me know.

 

is it possible for the vehicle to miss alignment by doing this stuff ?

thanks.

 

Hmm didn't think about that flthere. I would like to know as well although I am thinking the answer is no.???

 

No more than rotating tires, as long as you don't go crazy with the bolting and unbolting of components.

 

(Eric Cartman's voice) Sweeeeeet!