Question about replacing front rotors

[zocheyado]

So I am not a car expert but I need to replace my rotors and brake pads in the front so I got my friend over here to help me out and we kinda stuck on getting the rotor out. If I understand correctly we have to remove the entire "hub" from the knuckle and the axle take that whole thing off, then from there we can disassemble the hub, get the rotor out and swap it in for the new one? Also we removed the brake caliper first but now I think I realize I need it in order to get the massive bolt to release the hub from the axle. Another thing is, does anyone know what size that bolt is? going to have to borrow a bigger one, and does anyone have a guide / example of how to disassemble the hub after it is off? Thanks for any help, we are pretty stuck

[FestYboy]

http://www.fordfestiva.com/forums/showthread.php?48576-Q-on-front-wheel-bearings&highlight=bearing+spacer

you'll need a 29 or 30mm socket to remove the axle nut (there are 2 different sizes listed because some replacement nuts are not the 29mm factory size).

a slide hammer can make this job go faster, but you cant do as much PM to your bearings that way.

[WmWatt]

Here are photos of rebuilding the front wheels which whill show you what to expect. http://www.photobucket.com/Festiva-frontwheel
I used and oil sender socket which is not metric but worked and costs a buck or two less than the proper metric socket.
The technique I use to block the front wheel is to screw in a couple of lug bolts and jam a pry bar between them. See the later photos.

[Bert]

Now you can readily see and experience why Aspire/Rio front brake swaps are so enticing to Festiva owners. Remove the wheel and one or two retaining screws (if they are still there!), two caliper bolts and off comes the rotor. None of this conniption with having to remove knuckles and driveaxles and all that PITA stuff.

If you are in this for the long haul (ie keeping the car for an extended period) it is well worth investigating such a swap.

[FestYboy]

but Bert, what do you do when you need to replace a bad bearing on an aspire????





The Same Thing!!!! muahahhahaha!