1. Safety First:
* Engage the parking brake: This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Chock the wheels: Use wheel chocks on the wheels that are *opposite* the ones you're working on.
* Raise the vehicle safely: Use jack stands after lifting the vehicle with a jack. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wear safety glasses: Brake dust is nasty, and you might get debris in your eyes.
2. Preparation:
* Locate the parking brake cable: You'll likely need to disconnect this cable from the caliper to get better access to the rotor. The method for disconnecting varies wildly by vehicle. A shop manual is invaluable here.
* Remove the wheel: Unscrew the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
3. Rotor Removal:
* Remove the caliper: This usually involves using a caliper bracket bolt wrench to remove the bolts holding the caliper to the bracket. Once removed, carefully support the caliper with a bungee cord or wire to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose. *Never* let the brake hose hang freely as it can damage it.
* Remove the caliper bracket: On some vehicles, you need to remove the caliper bracket to access the rotor. This involves removing the bolts holding the bracket to the knuckle.
* Remove the rotor: Some rotors simply slide off the wheel studs. Others might require some persuasion:
* Rust and corrosion: Penetrating lubricant (like PB Blaster) applied generously beforehand is your friend. Let it soak for a while.
* Rotor removal tool: If the rotor is stubborn, a rotor puller might be necessary. These tools help to pry the rotor off the hub. There are different types, so get one that matches your vehicle.
* Hammer and punch (use cautiously): As a last resort, you can gently tap around the rotor's edge with a hammer and punch to break it free. Be extremely careful not to damage the hub.
4. Reassembly:
Once the rotor is off, the reassembly is the reverse of the removal process. Remember to:
* Clean the hub: Remove any rust, debris, or corrosion from the wheel hub mounting surface.
* Inspect the brake pads: Check the brake pads for wear. Replace them if necessary.
* Lubricate: Apply a thin layer of high-temperature grease to the caliper pins and slides where appropriate (check your vehicle's manual for specific recommendations).
Crucial Note: This is a simplified overview. The specific procedure varies significantly between vehicles. Consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle's make, model, and year. Improperly removing rear rotors can damage your braking system, leading to serious safety hazards. If you're not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic.
