I'm getting ready to replace the front rotors on my 2006 FX4. They've already been turned once by Ford under warranty last year at around 30k. They are warped again and I need to replace them.

I'm going to use Duralast from autozone. In the description it says this: Rotor only New spindle nut required when servicing rotor in this vehicle.

True? I need a new spindle nut?

Thanks

 

I'm pretty sure the spindle nut is not required on 4x4s

unless it changed for your year?

For my 2004 FX4 the rotors are just held on with the lug nuts.

 

That's how all rotors have been held on with vehicles I've done in the past. Even if it is held on with the spindle nut I can't see why I would need a new one. If so, what is the torque value of the spindle nut?

 

if you have a spindle nut and you remove it... then you must put on a new one.

my understanding is that the spindle nut will not maintain torque after being removed.

... and do you really want to risk a spindle nut coming off while driving???

 

F150's going back to the heritage body style (1997) have only used a spindle nut to retain the rotor on 4x2's. The information supplied with your duralast rotors is generic and wrong.

You only have to remove the caliper and caliper bracket to remove the rotor.

 

First, no spindle nut is present or required for 4x4 rotor replacement. You may want to make sure you got the right rotors if that's in the directions. If the rotors you bought have built-in lug nuts, you've got 2WD front axle rotors and the person who sold them to you is an idiot. If there's just holes where it fits over the lug nuts attached to your axle flange, then you've got the right rotors and the instructions were written by an idiot. Either one is likely.

Second, even when the spindle nut is required, it's a castle nut which is prevented from "torquing off" by a cotter pin. I would definitely replace the cotter pin, but I see no need for a new spindle (castle) nut, seeing as it doesn't really need to hold torque. Or at least that's how it is for the 97-03 generation.

 

I knew I forgot to put something back on 2 weeks ago when I did my front brakes.

 

I think my dust covers were on so tight they'd probably hold everything on with no spindle nut! Had to punch and shear one of those puppies off!

 

Thanks, all. I was looking for rotors on Autozones website and the Duralast were the ones listed for my truck. Then I read about the part about needing to remove the spindle nut and replacing with new in the fine print.

Thanks again

 

As was said, no spindle nuts on 4x4's. I'd have to recommend checking out the Centric premium replacements from RockAuto.com. I just received them yesterday and they're impressive. Everything except the pad sweep area is plated to prevent rust, even the cooling vents inside and out. They're not the fancy bling cross drilled rotors some use, but at $68/each you can't beat 'em.