Has anyone changed their own brakes?

chefdc1 wrote:
I need to replace brakes on my 1997 Damon Hornet 2754b, Ford E-Superduty Chassis. Is this something I can take care of myself? I can change brakes on a car.

I encourage you to start with the front brakes for they will be easier, and will resemble more of what your are familiar with.

Have you ever repacked wheel bearings? It does involve removing the hubs which involves the wheel bearings. Definitely replace the grease seals. If a set of bearings look damaged from corrosion or pitting, replace the race (the mating ring) as well which hammer out.

Do one wheel at a time as not to mix up the bearings. You want each wheel bearing back into it's original position mated to it's original race. It is important because worn bearings wear/mate to the race. You don't want to mess up the break-in of the two.

Personally I would not resurface/reuse the front rotors. I would buy new ones which generally will come with new races. I would also consider replacing the bearings since the races will be new. A new rotor assembly will cost $81 with free shipping on-line.

Once done and tested well, maybe you will have built up enough courage to try the rears. The worst that can happen is that you put it back together and take your rig to a truck repair facility.

Here is a front rotor.



Here is a grease seal. They tap out and back in. They are very affordable, generally just a few dollars each. They prevent water from getting into the bearings from the back side.



I quickly found bearing kits on-line which include the bearings with races and grease seals. You won't use the races if new ones are inside the new hub/rotor.