2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission 97 Front Brake to 01? Front Brake Conversion?

[DOHCRT]

Has anyone accomplished or thought about converting from the pressed on rotor design to the later model slip on design. Will the later hub/bearing assembly bolt into the earlier knuckle? I am getting ready to do the brakes for the 1st time and am not looking forward to pulling the bearings and pressing out and reinstalling the studs. It would be so much easier to use the later design. If the bearing doesn't bolt in will the later knuckle fit the earlier housing, may be a good time to do the ball joints also.



Thoughts, Ideas???

 

[Extreme1]

The change is easy, put a '00-'02 axle in. I spent some time looking through the NAPA catalog and the parts don't interchange. The local store stocks the ball joints and they aren't close.



I wouldn't pull the rotors unless they are shot. If you do pull the bearing out to replace the rotor, do the u-joint and ball joints too. The easy way to get the bearing out is to use the power steering and an extension to push on the (backed out) bearing bolts. I told a friend of mine that owns a shop about that and after they tried it he said it will be the way they do them from now on.

 

[JPittinger]

I just put new rotors on my '97 last week, its not that bad. A 3 lb. sledge moves the studs just fine. If you antiseize everything, it'll be a piece of cake to do ball and u joints later.



We have 3 of these newer frontends- I guess you get used to pulling the axle shafts between brakes, inboard seals, axle ujoints, ball joints, etc. I kinda miss it when I don't have to pull one...

 

[tabell]

Its not that hard to change the rotors. Just take the rotors and bearings to a shop and have them pressed in. Also, use antiseize when you put the bearing back on the axle shaft. It will just slide off next time you have to get back in there.

 

[MAleksandrowicz]

I actually just did my rotors today. Took me about 3 hours to do both sides and new calipers at the same time. I took the whole hub/rotor assembly off the beat the lugs out with a 4lb sledge and a piece of wood. Then it comes apart and I pressed the lugs back in. Not as bad as I imagined it would be.