Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and Jack Stands: Essential for safely lifting the vehicle. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Lug Wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Wheel Chocks: For safety.
* Sockets and Wrenches: Appropriate sizes for your Ranger's lug nuts and caliper bolts (likely metric).
* C-Clamp or Caliper Compression Tool: To compress the brake caliper piston.
* Rotor Removal Tool (optional but recommended): Some rotors are difficult to remove without one. It prevents damage to the rotor and hub.
* Wrench or socket for caliper bracket bolts: These may be difficult to reach.
* Torque Wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specifications.
* Brake Cleaner: To clean the mating surfaces.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* New Brake Rotors: Make sure to get the correct ones for your Ranger's model and wheel size.
* New Brake Pads (recommended): It's best practice to replace the pads at the same time as the rotors for optimal braking performance.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the wheels. Wear safety glasses.
2. Lift and Secure: Use the jack to lift the vehicle and securely place it on jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use the C-clamp or caliper compression tool to push the brake caliper piston back into the caliper. This creates space for the new, thicker rotor. Be careful not to damage the piston seal or brake line.
5. Remove the Caliper: Remove the bolts holding the caliper bracket to the knuckle. Carefully hang the caliper out of the way using a wire or bungee cord. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
6. Remove the Rotor: This can sometimes be stubborn. If necessary, use a rotor removal tool to gently tap the rotor off the hub. Sometimes a few taps with a hammer and a punch (on the back of the rotor) will suffice. Be careful not to damage the wheel hub.
7. Clean the Hub: Thoroughly clean the wheel hub mating surface with brake cleaner. Any debris will prevent proper rotor seating and can cause vibration.
8. Install the New Rotor: Slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs. Make sure it fits snugly and spins freely.
9. Install the Caliper: Reinstall the caliper bracket and tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications (consult your repair manual).
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Carefully remount the wheel and tighten the lug nuts, but don't fully tighten them yet.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Lower the vehicle to the ground.
12. Fully Tighten Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern (opposite nuts).
13. Torque Lug Nuts: Use the torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the specified torque (check your repair manual).
14. Test Drive: Take a short test drive to check for any unusual noises or vibrations. If you feel anything amiss, recheck your work.
Important Considerations:
* Brake Fluid: If you're significantly compressing the caliper piston, you might need to check and top off your brake fluid reservoir.
* Anti-Seize: Consider applying a small amount of anti-seize lubricant to the wheel studs to prevent future corrosion and make rotor changes easier.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1999 Ford Ranger is highly recommended. It will provide detailed instructions and torque specifications for your vehicle. This guide is for general information only and may not cover every specific detail for your vehicle.
This process can be challenging for beginners. If you're uncomfortable performing this repair yourself, it's best to take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Incorrectly installed brakes can lead to dangerous driving conditions.
