How to Remove Front Rotors on an '83 Toyota Cressida

The Toyota Cressida endured four generations of manufacturing in the United States between 1977 and 1992 selling 350,000 cars. Highly popular as a rear-wheel drive Toyota before front wheel drive was the industry standard, the Cressida would be considered today's Camry or Avalon. Being a Toyota product and considered a high-end luxury sedan, it is likely that some of the older generation Cressidas are still on the road. Like any vehicle, a Cressida will need regular maintenance repairs, such as replacing brake pads and rotors. Younger mechanics are more knowledgeable about removing more modern "knock-off" rotors on newer cars. But when they see an external hub bolted to the front of a rotor, as is the case on a Toyota Cressida, they may wonder how to remove the rotor. It's not an overly complicated procedure and can even be done by weekend front yard mechanics.

Instructions

Park the Cressida on a flat, level paved or concrete surface. Apply the parking brake. Release the hood latch.

Place a wheel chock behind one of the rear tires. Open the hood and suck out half of the fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Replace the cap on the master cylinder securely.

Break the lug nuts loose on the tire. Just loosen; do not remove.

Lift the front quarter by the rocker panel using the floor jack and place the jack stand under the front frame rail.

Remove the lug nuts and tire.

Remove the caliper bolts using the ratchet and a socket. Compress the caliper piston in with a C-clamp. Hang the caliper to the vehicle using the bungy cord. Don't let the caliper hang from the front brake hose.

Remove the pads.

Remove the caliper anchor using the ratchet and a socket.

Remove the cotter pin from the axle spindle in the center of the rotor. Remove the slotted cap.

Remove the spindle nut using the channel locks. Remove the washer.

Place your thumbs over the hub of the rotor and pull the rotor forward. Your thumbs will prevent the outer bearing from falling on the ground. Remove the outer bearing.

Unbolt the wheel hub bolts from the front of the rotor hub to separate the two. If you're replacing or having the rotor machined, you'll have to remove the rear bearing seal by prying it out. This will be damaged no matter how careful you try to be, so it will be highly recommended to replace. The rear bearing will be able to be removed once the seal is taken off. Repack the bearings with bearing grease. Use shop rags to keep your hands clean.

Replace the rotor, pads, and caliper by reversing the procedure. To seat the front bearing properly, after tightening the spindle nut with the channel locks, spin the rotor rapidly forward and backward a couple times. Loosen the spindle nut 1/4 of an inch and replace the slotted cover and cotter pin. Repeat the procedure for the other side.

Torque the front tires to 80 foot pounds using an adjustable torque wrench. Pump the foot brake pedal when the Cressida is back together and on the ground. Pump it five or six times until the pedal feels normal and hydraulic pressure is restored to the front caliper pistons.

Check and adjust the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Only add new DOT approved brake fluid and secure the master cylinder cap.

Remove the wheel chock.

Release the parking brake and test drive.