collage of images showing disassembly of a rusty brake rotor and…

4WABS Rotor Removal
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If the rotor must be replaced on a '93-96 Bronco (4WABS) hub, the tone ring often causes problems because it's not easy to pull with a 3-jaw puller, and replacements are not available new. But by using a simple frame (I have this steel ring, but a triangle of 2x10" lumber is just as effective) to support the rotor above a wood pad on a concrete slab, the tone ring comes off fairly easily & quickly.
1) Hammer the studs loose, but don't damage the tone ring; then free the rotor from the hub (since the rotor is being replaced, hammering the rotor face is OK;
2) Place the rotor (hub-down) onto the frame on top of the wood pad;
3) The loose hub's weight holds the tone ring against the backs of the studs, which are against the rotor, which is on the frame on the board; holding the frame & rotor together, lift them off the pad and slam them down sharply, flat onto the pad
4) The impact will pull the hub down through the tone ring;
5) A few hard hits should be enough to separate the ring from the hub;
6) All 8 pieces are loose now, but the 5 studs are resting in the rotor;
7) The rotor holes are larger, so the lug studs' splines don't engage it - they fall out easily;
8 ) The hub can now be cleaned (especially the machined surfaces that the rotor & wheel mount against) and painted (if desired).

See also:
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Owner caption August 2022 · Photo 0 of 5000