Where Are Rotors Located On A Car?

Q: Where Are Rotors Typically Located?

A: Rotors are found on vehicles with disc brake setup. They are connected to your vehicle’s wheel through the axle. Depending on your specific vehicle and the design of your hubcaps, rotors can be visible from the outside.

The hub on which the wheel is mounted has the wheel studs, which pass from the hub through matching holes in the center of the brake rotor, which, when the brake pads are applied, will either slow or stop that hub and everything attached to it.

Thus, since the wheels and tires are supporting the vehicle and allowing it to roll, the traction afforded by the tires stops the vehicle when the brake rotor is pinched between the pads.

Tips on How to Access the Brake Rotors

Here are some general steps to access the brake rotors:

1. Brake the lug nuts loose
2. Raise the vehicle
3. Remove the wheel(s)
4. You’re now looking at the brake rotor.
5. Remove the caliper (2 bolts), but don’t disconnect the brake line.
6. Remove the caliper bracket (bolts on the back side).
7. The next step depends on the vehicle
   1. Some rotors contain the bearings and are retained with a nut.
   2. Some have 8mm 1.25 thread pitch holes to assist in removing the rotor.
   3. Some just slide off but may be rusted to the hub, requiring a big hammer.
   4. Older vehicles have a dust cap, a nut and cotter key, and greased bearings.

Remember that these steps and tips are only meant to guide you in accessing and removing your rotors. If you’re not sure about anything, you can ask the help of a trusted mechanic.