newbie here

Im about to do the brakes on my 2003 explorer xlt. I think I only need to do
the front but I will check the rear to make sure..first question. I know the
fronts need to be done but how do I tell if I should do the rear
also..should I just do them since im already doing the fronts..and this is
the first set of disc brakes i will be changing.(i have done the drum brakes
on my 69 stang a couple times.anything i should expect??any helpful
pointers? I am confident I will be able to do this no problem but it doesnt
hurt to ask some pro's right? Any tips would be appreciated..Thx

Jason wrote:
> Im about to do the brakes on my 2003 explorer xlt. I think I only need to do
> the front but I will check the rear to make sure..first question. I know the
> fronts need to be done but how do I tell if I should do the rear
> also..should I just do them since im already doing the fronts..and this is
> the first set of disc brakes i will be changing.(i have done the drum brakes
> on my 69 stang a couple times.anything i should expect??any helpful
> pointers? I am confident I will be able to do this no problem but it doesnt
> hurt to ask some pro's right? Any tips would be appreciated..Thx
>
>

You might also find this site helpful-scroll down to the Brakes area.

http://www.explorerforum.com/Singleton/exp.html

Holy crap...the way that website describes the procedure kinda worries
me...does just changing the brakes require pulling apart the entire wheel
hub and everything..if that is the case I will just take it to a shop.

Jason wrote:
> Holy crap...the way that website describes the procedure kinda worries
> me...does just changing the brakes require pulling apart the entire wheel
> hub and everything..if that is the case I will just take it to a shop.
>
>
Couldn't break through your spam barrier, so here is my reply from your
e-mail:

THE HORRAH! Boil ribs??? Around here, that's sacreligious-they are
pretty darn tender without any of that.
Not sure how close you are to Citrus Park, Orlando of Pinellas Park, but
if so, hit a BJ's Brewhouse-we brew all their beer, and I think they
have our Amber Ale on tap.
Dr. Bob can be ---quite thorough-that's why I don't do brakes, but I'm
on my third Explorer, and that site has been quite helpful over the
years, but I don't know if it's been updated lately.
Cheers!

On Tue, 9 Oct 2007 10:25:29 -0700, "Jason" > wrote:

>Im about to do the brakes on my 2003 explorer xlt. I think I only need to do
>the front but I will check the rear to make sure..first question. I know the
>fronts need to be done but how do I tell if I should do the rear
>also..should I just do them since im already doing the fronts..and this is
>the first set of disc brakes i will be changing.(i have done the drum brakes
>on my 69 stang a couple times.anything i should expect??any helpful
>pointers? I am confident I will be able to do this no problem but it doesnt
>hurt to ask some pro's right? Any tips would be appreciated..Thx
>
this links to purchase the Ford repair CD - not a copy, a dealer CD.
Worth every Penney. You may need to purchase the more expensive DVD
for your year.
http://www.service-bulletins.com/index.php?cPath=21

if you belong to your local library you can get online access to the
ebscohost auto repair manuals section. You can then print out the
instructions to replace your brake pads. It is a free service.

go to:
http://www.explorerforum.com/

look in the forum for your year. there should be step by step
illustrated instructions for this very simple job.

You do not need to remove the hub or bearings.

you should inspect the rear pads/rotors before you purchase the new
pads. If they are near the end of their service life replace the
rears. Normally rears outlast the fronts 2 to 1. Buy the best pads you
can get. Ceramic/metallic preferred.

Riddles

That Dr. Bob/Singleton page is mainly for older explorers. Yours, being a
2003 will not have caliper slides, etc. and is very easy to replace pads as
long as your rotors are good. Simply undo the caliper bolts and pop out the
pads. You should get some sort of reference manual (I have the Haynes which
is just OK) so you make sure you take out the correct bolts and torque them
properly...

--
Allan Williams



"Frank Mancuso" > wrote in message
. net...
> Jason wrote:
>> Holy crap...the way that website describes the procedure kinda worries
>> me...does just changing the brakes require pulling apart the entire wheel
>> hub and everything..if that is the case I will just take it to a shop.
> Couldn't break through your spam barrier, so here is my reply from your
> e-mail:
>
> THE HORRAH! Boil ribs??? Around here, that's sacreligious-they are
> pretty darn tender without any of that.
> Not sure how close you are to Citrus Park, Orlando of Pinellas Park, but
> if so, hit a BJ's Brewhouse-we brew all their beer, and I think they have
> our Amber Ale on tap.
> Dr. Bob can be ---quite thorough-that's why I don't do brakes, but I'm on
> my third Explorer, and that site has been quite helpful over the years,
> but I don't know if it's been updated lately.
> Cheers!