Parts & tools needed:

• Rotors of any choice, plain or drilled & slotted.
• 3/8 Ratchet.
• 3/8 Extension.
• 17mm Socket.
• Lug nut Wrench.
• Breaker Bar.
• Rubber Mallet (If needed).
• Foot Pound Torque Wrench.
• Breaker Bar.

Procedure

1. First break the lug nuts and place the wheel chock behind the wheels along with using your e-break. Then you can jack the car up and put it on jack stands for support.
2. New drilled and slotted rotors.

   

3. After removing the lug nuts and wheel, you will be presented with the following.

   

4. Remove the spring clips from the brake pads.

   

5. With a breaker bar or ratchet, using a 17mm socket, remove the two caliper bolts.

   

6. Then remove the brake caliper, and the brake pad closest to the cylinder.

   

7. Compress the cylinder in order to make re-installation possible, due to the thicker new rotors and pads. Compression is best done with a large C clamp, making sure the clamp is positioned in the center of the cylinder and perpendicular at all times. Do not compress it too fast.

   

8. After that the new rotor can be installed, making sure that it is the proper rotor for that side (if it is directional, such as slotted rotors).

   

9. Then proceed to re-install the caliper and brake pads, as well as the clips. If you have a torque wrench you can torque the caliper bolts to 36-43 ft lbs.

   

Break-in process: Once everything is back together the rotors have to be broken in. All rotors and pads are different, but in general trying to stick to city driving while trying to brake gently whenever possible is the best way to break in the new brake components.

Also see

• Ford Escort & ZX2 section for the entire index of all Ford Escort and ZX2 related articles.