1997 ford escort front brakes

[free07110]

i have a 97 ford escort i need front brakes. i was wondering are the rotors pressed on or knock off ( comes right off) rotors. how are the capilers mounted( two bolts or one bolt and they pivot). i called a auto parts store and i asked about rotors and they said they have 9 1/2in and 10 1/2 in diameter. does anyone knwo why they make 2 different sizes? does anyone also know the miminum thickness of the rotors so i can measure mine? thanks any response would help
free07110

[AltecZX2]

the ones on my zx2 are knock off, i believe the sedan has smaller breaks then the ZX2 that might be what he was revering to, i know the Zx2 does have 10.5's

[GTP Dad]

The rotors on the sedan are 9.5 inch and the minimum thickness should be stamped on them. If they have been turned even once I recommend that you just replace them. The calipers are held on by two bolts and the rotors are knock off.

[free07110]

thanks for the info i have heard that the capliers are heard on my pins that you drive out.(also something about some shims) does anyone know if this is true or is it just held on by two bolts? thanks

[GTP Dad]

The pins hold the pads in place and they can be hard to get out. There are spring wires that hold them in place so remove them first then remove the pins. The bolts hold the calipers in place and shouldn't be hard to get out. Make sure you lubricate the bolts when you reinstall with brake grease. Also a little on these pins will keep them moving freely.

As for the shims most good quality pads have them installed permanently. If you purchase a set without them buy some brake quiet and put it on the back of the pads. This will prevent squealing.

[free07110]

Originally Posted by GTP Dad

The pins hold the pads in place and they can be hard to get out. There are spring wires that hold them in place so remove them first then remove the pins. The bolts hold the calipers in place and shouldn't be hard to get out. Make sure you lubricate the bolts when you reinstall with brake grease. Also a little on these pins will keep them moving freely.

As for the shims most good quality pads have them installed permanently. If you purchase a set without them buy some brake quiet and put it on the back of the pads. This will prevent squealing.

do the pins come right out with pliers or how do i get them out? can i reuse the springs

[Arnoldtheskier]

BEFORE! you start this job.

Give the pin areas on the calipers a GOOD soaking with penetrating oil for a few days.

Have a round..NOT tapered punch.. handy..that is smaller than the pins.

IF you don't want the car down for too long.Have a kit with the pins..AND some new calipers along with whatever else you need.

Have some "anti seize" lubricant handy.

Ideally a dremel type rotary tool or a small grinding disc for an electric drill.

NOT UNCOMMON is for it to be next to impossible to get the pins out.Requiring changing the calipers.Hammering on the pin ends if they are badly rusted in there..or if the ends have been mushed..will only mushroom them even more making it more difficult to get them out.I have a pretty good eye NOW for when I will be able and NOT able to get them out.If it looks iffy..I grind the mushed or end flush with a rotary tool and use a small punch.This is no guarantee as sometimes the pin bends in the middle and then VERY hard to get out.Yes..sometimes you can grab them with vice grips.

Best to toss the pins..as even if they look good..taking them out often wrecks the hard finish on them and next time..you WON'T get them out.

Put them back in with "anti seize"

You can get pins that use springs or have holes for cotter pins.

For the cost of the springs/pins kit.I wouldn't re-use them.

Keep the new pads and calipers nice and clean in case you have to return them.IF you need new calipers take back BOTH the pads AND calipers and get "loaded" calipers for not much more.These come with new pads,pins and everything else.