So I had the typical problems when trying to remove my rotors this weekend. I did everything the posts say short of cutting them with a saws-all or circular saw. After hours and an aching shoulder, I decided to give up and tow it to my mechanic... who I'm happy to say I haven't seen since I traded in my dakota for this truck a year and a half ago.

Anyway, after they fixed everything, they said the rotors are held on with that spindle nut in the middle. Can I not read or am I just dumb? Everything I read on these forums say that the rotor/hub assembly should just come off after a lot of effort. Some posts actually say DO NOT take that nut off since it houses the bearings. Anyone able to clarify? I'm not going through that again. Thanks!

 

If you have a 2wd (which I suspect) then yes, you have to remove the spindle nut to remove the rotor just like every other 2wd Ford in the last 25 years. The 'typical' rotor woes are usually an issue on the 4x4s. The two setups aren;t at all alike.

 

GIJoeCam, Removing the spindle nut on the rear rotor . Does this also include a 2003 Ford Expedition XLT 2 WD. Do you know what size the spindle nut is. I have done front brakes and thought I would knock out the rear brakes just as fast. Is there anything I need to do with the parking brake? Any information will be greatly appreciated. Thanks papmart6

 

DO NOT remove the nut on an '03 Expedition rear. There is no need to. You may need to manually adjust the parking brake shoes to release the pressure if the rotor hangs up on the rust lip that sometimes forms, but aside from that, there's nothing special. Remove the caliper from the anchor plate, and the rotor will come off the hub.

-Joe