2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement

monkeyhouse · 09-22-2008, 08:11 AM

Hey, I was just looking to see if anyone had replaced the front rotors on the brake system of a 2004 cavalier? It looks pretty simple to me, remove one nut, is it that easy? I've replaced the pads several times, but was too cheap to do the rotors, now....I have to.

thanks,
Rodge

**manic** · 09-22-2008, 11:58 AM

Pretty simple, need to inspect and repack bearings. Dont want to
overtighten bolt, if you have the manual there should be a spec on
how much free play to have. It needs to be tight but not so tight
that the wheel wont spin, not rocket science, but something to be
aware of.

**Midnight Tech** · 09-22-2008, 06:01 PM

Actually, those are what is known as "tophat" rotors - center nut is the end of the CV axle and does not have to be removed. Take the tire off, remove the caliper and get the bracket out of the way, and slide the rotor off the studs. There may be a couple of flat push nuts holding the rotor in place, but those were used to keep it on until the robot stuck the front tires on. Pop those off and pitch them in the garbage can (the lug nuts will hold everything together nicely).
Wheel bearings are sealed units and (thankfully) don't have to be repacked.

**manic** · 09-22-2008, 10:46 PM

Good info! Im used to the older models. Much older, lol....
Sealed bearing, pro's and con's to that., Not repacking grease
definetly, a pro,,,

**Midnight Tech** · 09-22-2008, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by manic

Sealed bearing, pro's and con's to that., Not repacking grease
definetly, a pro,,,

Con: Some of them are hub assemblies -easy to replace (usually 3 or 4 bolts).
Others are cartridge style - have to be pressed in and out, tricky to do, and are generally a pain in the posterior. Have seen a brand-new cartridge bearing get ruined because mechanic didn't know what he was doing while changing it.

**manic** · 09-22-2008, 11:08 PM

Hard to find a mechanic anymore. Mostly just part changers, thats
why I try to do most of my own work, except tire changing. But
I still double check the lug nuts.

By tire changing I mean getting
new tires, I refuse to bust down a tire, I dont have the tools or
patience anymore,,,,

**SABL** · 10-01-2008, 05:17 PM

Mechanic?????
I think they only exist in mythology....unicorns are easier to find.

09-22-2008, 08:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
monkeyhouse Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 1 OS: vista sp1	2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Hey, I was just looking to see if anyone had replaced the front rotors on the brake system of a 2004 cavalier? It looks pretty simple to me, remove one nut, is it that easy? I've replaced the pads several times, but was too cheap to do the rotors, now....I have to. thanks, Rodge

09-22-2008, 11:58 AM	#2 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 4,876 OS: xp	Re: 2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Pretty simple, need to inspect and repack bearings. Dont want to overtighten bolt, if you have the manual there should be a spec on how much free play to have. It needs to be tight but not so tight that the wheel wont spin, not rocket science, but something to be aware of. __________________

09-22-2008, 06:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Midnight Tech Admin/Head GreaseMonkey/Igor's alter ego/Grand Exalted PoohBah Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: SC Posts: 2,769 OS: Windows XP SP2/Windows 98SE/Fedora Core 6/RH 7.2 with Autopoint	Re: 2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Actually, those are what is known as "tophat" rotors - center nut is the end of the CV axle and does not have to be removed. Take the tire off, remove the caliper and get the bracket out of the way, and slide the rotor off the studs. There may be a couple of flat push nuts holding the rotor in place, but those were used to keep it on until the robot stuck the front tires on. Pop those off and pitch them in the garbage can (the lug nuts will hold everything together nicely). Wheel bearings are sealed units and (thankfully) don't have to be repacked. __________________ Please post all questions in the appropriate forum. Questions sent by email or PM will not be answered. Sharing my life...with my Imzadi! Interested in Trek gaming? Check out the Dynaverse! Proud supporter of the Carolinas Aviation Museum. If we have helped you in any way, please donate to keep TSF up and running!

09-22-2008, 10:46 PM	#4 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 4,876 OS: xp	Re: 2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Good info! Im used to the older models. Much older, lol.... Sealed bearing, pro's and con's to that., Not repacking grease definetly, a pro,,, __________________

09-22-2008, 11:08 PM	#6 (permalink)
manic Mod Hardware Team Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Florida Posts: 4,876 OS: xp	Re: 2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Hard to find a mechanic anymore. Mostly just part changers, thats why I try to do most of my own work, except tire changing. But I still double check the lug nuts. By tire changing I mean getting new tires, I refuse to bust down a tire, I dont have the tools or patience anymore,,,, __________________

10-01-2008, 05:17 PM	#7 (permalink)
SABL TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Galena, Ohio Posts: 764 OS: WinXP SP3	Re: 2004 chevy cavalier rotor replacement Mechanic????? I think they only exist in mythology....unicorns are easier to find.