Every time you change the brake pads on your Ford Ranger, you should either replace or turn the stock rotors as well. That's because the rotors wear down with the pads, and if you just change the pads, you'll actually lose braking ability. Fortunately, changing out the rotors isn't a complicated task and can be done at home. In this case, the project vehicle is a 2005 Ford Ranger 4X4, but the process is similar for other Ford Rangers as well.
Instructions
- 1
Place the jack underneath the front of the vehicle, lift it up using the jack handle, then set the vehicle on the jack stands. Make sure that the vehicle is solidly on the stands before crawling underneath it. Take off the front wheels using the tire iron and set them out of the immediate work area.
2Unbolt the brake caliper from the brake caliper anchor plate using the ratchet, then slide it off of the rotor. Hang the caliper off of the front springs using the metal hook so that it's not supported by the brake line.
3Unbolt the brake caliper anchor plate from the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Then slide the rotor off of the hub using your hands.
4Slide the replacement rotor onto the wheel hub using your hands, then bolt the brake caliper anchor plate onto the steering knuckle using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket.
5Bolt the brake caliper to the brake anchor plate using the ratchet. Then reinstall the front tires using the tire iron and lower the vehicle off of the jack stands using the jack.
