Front Brake Rotor Replacement JL9, J55, J56

Front Brake Rotor Replacement J57

Special Tools

Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning in the Preface section.

1. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle.

Caution: Disc brake rotor protectors MUST be installed prior to tire and wheel assembly removal to avoid ceramic brake rotor damage due to contact between the tire and wheel assembly and the rotor. If the ceramic brake rotor is damaged replacement may be required.

2. Install the disc brake rotor protectors and remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.



3. Disconnect the brake pad wear sensor electrical connector (1).



4. Remove the brake caliper bolts (1).

Caution: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.




5. Remove the brake caliper (1) and support with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.



6. Remove and discard the brake rotor retainers (1), if equipped.



7. If reinstalling the brake rotor, matchmark the position of the brake rotor to the wheel hub.
8. Remove the brake rotor (1).

1. If reinstalling the brake rotor, clean any corrosion and debris from the wheel hub mating surface of the brake rotor using the J-41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit .

Note: Do not clean the friction surfaces of the brake rotor with chemical brake cleaners.

2. Clean the friction surfaces of the brake rotor with soap and water or denatured alcohol and allow to air dry.

Note: Do not pry against the cross-drilled holes in the brake rotor to remove loose material and debris.

3. If necessary, carefully remove any loose material and debris from the cross-drilled holes in the brake rotor with a 5 mm (3/16 in) diameter tool.
4. Using the J-42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit , clean any corrosion and debris from the rotor mating surface of the wheel hub.



5. Install the brake rotor (1).

If reinstalling the brake rotor, align the brake rotor to the matchmark on the wheel hub.




6. Install the brake caliper (1).

Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution in the Preface section.




7. Install the brake caliper bolts (1) and tighten to  175 N·m (129 lb ft).



8. Connect the brake pad wear sensor electrical connector (1).
9. Install the tire and wheel assembly and remove the disc brake rotor protectors. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation.
10. If a new brake rotor was installed, burnish the brake pads and rotor. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing.