Front Brake Question

I am changing my front brake pads and rotors.

So I did the usual and took off the wheel, caliper (pushed the piston back) took off the bracket - all good so far. Now I am trying to take off the rotors so I can put new ones on. I am used to them just sliding off at this point but it won't budge (even with encouragement from my rubber hammer). Is there something additional I have to do because it is a 96 Taurus or am I just looking at a rust problem (it is pretty rusty).

If anyone can help me out here I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Randy

Smack it harder. If not look in the manual

You must have a rust problem. I have always had a loose rotor whenever I change pads on my Taurus. I replaced the rotors a while back with no problems.

I recently replaced rotors on a Mazda Tribute and encountered your problem. I used a large, heavy duty gear puller to get them off. There was a loud 'pop' when they finally broke loose. I suggest using caution in this manuever, using goggles and keeping you face out of the way since you are putting a lot of pressure on the lip of the rotor and the tips of the puller do not have a lot to grab onto because of he wide angle they are opened to in order to span the rotor.

I suggest just beat the thing harder with your rubber hammer and move all the way around it. And it should come loose.

Do your rotors have two smaller diameter holes on the had (near the lugnuts)? If so, find a couple of 2 inch long bolts that will thread in to these, I don't recall what size and thread pitch. Put one bolt in each hole and alternately tighten them. This will press the rotor off.

Of course make sure you have the caliper mounting bracket removed first so you aren't trying to press the rotor into the mounting bracket.

If you don't have the bolt holes, then spray some penetrating oil around the lugnuts and the hub center, allow it a few minutes to penetrate, and go at it with the mallet again. You may wish to tap the hub lightly after applying the penetrant to help it wick through the rust.

-Rod

I am changing my front brake pads and rotors.

So I did the usual and took off the wheel, caliper (pushed the piston back) took off the bracket - all good so far. Now I am trying to take off the rotors so I can put new ones on. I am used to them just sliding off at this point but it won't budge (even with encouragement from my rubber hammer). Is there something additional I have to do because it is a 96 Taurus or am I just looking at a rust problem (it is pretty rusty).

If anyone can help me out here I would appreciate it.

Thanks
Randy

Having the same problem with my daughter's 96 taurus. Pulled the wheel, caliper, caliper bracket, used the rust penetrant, beat on it with a hammer, tried a gear puller... About ready to try a hand grenade.. The haynes manual I have says that some may have two retaining clips holding the rotor to the hub but I cannot see any such critters on mine, maybe yours does?

If the rotor is not even budging, it is most likely not those clips. I had them on my 01 taurus when i replaced the rotors. They are very thin and can be easily cut/ bent with pliars. They are just there to keep the rotor in place on the assembly line. Not strong at all. You may have to take a hammer and chisel to the center of the rotor to try and loosen it from the hub, then beat it from behind. Heat may also help but be careful not to cook anything. Once it comes off get rid of as much rust as you can, and then put a little caliper lube on the hub face. Not much at all you dont want it to seep out. This will help later on with the rotor comming off.

Like everybody else said just beat the crap out of it, since you are replacing the rotors dont worry about hurting them. get the sledge out if you have to. like joe92k1500 said once you get them off clean the rust up with a wire brush then use an anti seize compound on it just around the hub, just dont get it on the new rotors or pads.
let us know how you make out