How to Replace Rotors on a 1994 Ford Explorer Four-Wheel Drive

by Jule Pamplin

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The brake rotors on the four-wheel drive 1994 Ford Explorer are integral components of the vehicle's braking system. The rotors are discs that provide a smooth surface, which the brake pads grip in order to stop the vehicle. Brake rotors that are badly scored or warped will cause degraded braking performance. Inspect the rotors as part of the regular vehicle maintenance, and replace the discs at the first sign of significant wear or damage.

Step 1

Raise the hood of the Explorer and remove the master cylinder cap. Remove brake fluid from the master cylinder until the fluid level reads half-full or lower. Use a syringe or turkey baster to remove the fluid from the reservoir.

Step 2

Loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels of the Ford SUV with a 21 mm socket and breaker bar.

Step 3

Place the jack beneath the frame, at the front of the Explorer, and lift the vehicle. Place jack stands beneath the axles to support the Explorer while you replace the rotors.

Step 4

Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels off.

Step 5

Remove the two slide bolts on the back side of the caliper, using a 13 mm wrench.

Step 6

Lift the caliper from the caliper bracket and suspend it above the brake assembly with a bungee cable or wire coat hanger--do not allow the caliper to hang from the Explorer by the brake line.

Step 7

Slide the brake pads from the slots in the caliper bracket. The pads sit on either side of the brake rotor.

Step 8

Remove the two caliper bracket bolts with the 15 mm wrench or the 15 mm socket and ratchet. Remove the bracket from the rotor.

Step 9

Pull the rotor from the wheel hub. Use a hammer to strike the center section of the disc, if it cannot be easily pulled from the lug bolts by hand.

Step 10

Spray brake cleaner on the lug bolts and steering knuckle. Clean the area with a wire brush to remove any rust that may have built up on the hub parts.

Step 11

Clean the new rotor with bake cleaner to remove the packing oil from the disc's surface. Wipe the rotor dry with a clean towel before installing it.

Step 12

Place the new rotor onto the lug bolts. Make sure the raised center section of the disc is facing outward.

Step 13

Place the C-clamp over the caliper piston and the back side of the Explorer's caliper. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper with the clamp. Remove the clamp from the caliper once the piston is fully depressed, or opened.

Step 14

Replace the caliper bracket onto the rotor. Screw in the bracket's bolts with the 15 mm wrench or socket and ratchet.

Step 15

Apply brake grease to the back sides of the new brake pads. Place the new brake pads into the slots of the caliper bracket, on either side of the new rotor.

Step 16

Replace the caliper over the brake pads and screw in the slide bolts with the 13 mm wrench.

Step 17

Replace the wheel onto the lug bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

Step 18

Repeat steps 5 through 17 for each rotor that needs to be replaced.

Step 19

Lift the Explorer with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the Ford's tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the 21 mm socket and breaker bar.