YACT : How hard is it to change the front wheel rotors?

[pillage2001]

I tried looking for a similar thread but there are too many YACT threads to boot.

I'm on a Mitsu Galant ES 97 and the rotor on the front wheels are very warped. Was told to replace it ASAP. I brought it to a mechanic whom my friend reccommended and he wanted 145 to change the pads plus rotors on both front wheels. Is it reasonable?? Another friend of mine offered to cahnge it for me but I'm not too sure that I trust him since he's the jeep kind of person. Is it hard to change it and what are the possible things that can go wrong if I were to let my friend change it? Should I just pay up 145 bucks to get it done by a mechanic?

I don't have a garage and I'm a n00b when it comes to cars. The best I had done is to change the air filter.

 

[Howard]

DIY

 

[Evadman]

145 is cheaper than dirt if it includes labor & parts. The rotors and pads will probably be about $120ish (out of my ass since I can't call to see pricing now) so only $25 for labor? Sweet!

What is a "jeep" kind of person? a 4 wheeler? if so, changing your rotors will be a snap for him.

Either way, make sure you get both rotors replaced, and get new pads.

 

[iamwiz82]

you dont trust him because he is a jeep person? You sound like an ass.

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: Evadman
145 is cheaper than dirt if it includes labor & parts.

What is a "jeep" kind of person? a 4 wheeler? if so, changing your rotors will be a snap for him.

Either way, make sure you get both rotors replaced, and get new pads.

145 is what he wanted for everything done. That's the mechanic.

My friend is a 4 x 4 person and he has experience tearing down his whole jeep down and am currently putting it together now. I was just wondering if he could possibly screw up on any details since I was told changing the rotors are kinda tough to perform.

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
you dont trust him because he is a jeep person? You sound like an ass.

He has taken months to put his jeep together now and am seeking help from his friends. So I'm not too sure he knows what he's doing. Other than that, he's fine by my book.

 

[NutBucket]

Changing rotors should be pretty straight forward unless you car has a crappy design like mine (rotors bolted to the hub from the rear).

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: pillage2001

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
you dont trust him because he is a jeep person? You sound like an ass.

He has taken months to put his jeep together now and am seeking help from his friends. So I'm not too sure he knows what he's doing. Other than that, he's fine by my book.

taking apart an entire vehicle is somewhat more complicated than removing a tire, removing two caliper bolts, a wheel nut, and then the rotor.

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: iamwiz82

Originally posted by: pillage2001

Originally posted by: iamwiz82
you dont trust him because he is a jeep person? You sound like an ass.

He has taken months to put his jeep together now and am seeking help from his friends. So I'm not too sure he knows what he's doing. Other than that, he's fine by my book.

taking apart an entire vehicle is somewhat more complicated than removing a tire, removing two caliper bolts, a wheel nut, and then the rotor.

Well, if that's the case, I would just get the parts and let him do it.

 

[Thegonagle]

On most cars, it's easy. Once the caliper is out of the way, thwack the rotors a few times with a hammer to break the rust bonds, and they should fall right off. On some cars, you will need to drill out a pair of retaining screws. (That's on most Hondas, for example.)

On some cars, you will need to remove the hub nuts to remove the rotors. You'll need a big socket, and an impact wrench or a big breaker bar. (Some Subarus and some Accords are like that.) I doubt the Galant is one of those cars.

 

[NEWKILLA]

bro i have leased 2 gallants for the wifey trust me its cake

but if you live in the cold or not confident in doing it

PAY THE CASH youll sleep better

K

 

[Evadman]

A trained monkey (like Zim) could swap out disk brakes.

 

[Scootin159]

well here's what's involved (on most cars, your results may vary):

Remove wheel (4 or 5 lugs)
Remove Caliper (2 bolts)
Remove retaining screws (2x phillips head screws)
Tap (well I guess you could bang them since you're tossing them anyways) old rotors with a hammer until they fall off

Installation is reverse of removal

Sound hard to you?

EDIT: BTW, if you do it yourself be sure to support the caliper when it's removed to keep it from hanging by the brake line), also be sure to torque down your lug nuts & caliper bolts correctly (if you don't know the exact #'s, just go with TIGHT , but if you have access to a torque wrench use it).

 

[pillage2001]

Originally posted by: Scootin159
well here's what's involved (on most cars, your results may vary):

Remove wheel (4 or 5 lugs)
Remove Caliper (2 bolts)
Remove retaining screws (2x phillips head screws)
Tap (well I guess you could bang them since you're tossing them anyways) old rotors with a hammer until they fall off

Installation is reverse of removal

Sound hard to you?

EDIT: BTW, if you do it yourself be sure to support the caliper when it's removed to keep it from hanging by the brake line), also be sure to torque down your lug nuts & caliper bolts correctly (if you don't know the exact #'s, just go with TIGHT , but if you have access to a torque wrench use it).

Under the snow, it is.

 

[Scootin159]

Originally posted by: pillage2001

Originally posted by: Scootin159
well here's what's involved (on most cars, your results may vary):

Remove wheel (4 or 5 lugs)
Remove Caliper (2 bolts)
Remove retaining screws (2x phillips head screws)
Tap (well I guess you could bang them since you're tossing them anyways) old rotors with a hammer until they fall off

Installation is reverse of removal

Sound hard to you?

EDIT: BTW, if you do it yourself be sure to support the caliper when it's removed to keep it from hanging by the brake line), also be sure to torque down your lug nuts & caliper bolts correctly (if you don't know the exact #'s, just go with TIGHT , but if you have access to a torque wrench use it).

Under the snow, it is.

Can't argue that one. Kinda dreading fixing my gas lines tomarrow in the snow.

 

[TofBnT]

The job is very easy, I would pick up a haynes manual for the car, good investment save you thousands.
It tells step by step how to do it.
The comment above about supporting the calipers is very important.