How do the rotors come off on a '93 Dakota 4X2? The rotor looks to be basically the same as what's on my wagon. Is there a 'captured' inner bearing I'm not seeing?

There's a distinct 'thud' when I pull out on the rotor.

The caliper is off and out of the way before anyone mentions that.

My rotors look like these....



This all started because I'm trying to track down an occasional grinding sound that started about 2 weeks ago after a HARD panic stop (still not sure how I missed).

Anyone?

After you remove the spindle nut (under metal end cover) the rotor should pull straight off.

That's what I thought. I've swapped dozens of rotors on older cars, but this is my first crack at a Dakota. I thought I missed something.

Well, I had to pry the rotor off to pop loose the inner seal to get the rotor off the inner bearing.

On both sides I had to chisel off the inner bearing. The spindle isn't blued or damaged, but, both bearings were slightly discolored.

Plus, the drivers side showed quite a bit of rust on the outer bearing and nut.

I've run this thing down the freeway a few times since I bought it, nothing ever felt hot.

Flood at some point in its life? No worries, just fix it while it's apart. Sounds like you found your grinding noise source!