I am almost sure I have a warped rotor (excessive vibration while braking). How can I tell if its the front or back and left vs right? Any instructions available for how to install the new rotor?

 

It will be the front. Rear rotors dont have warping problems because they are not utilized as heavily.

Always replace brake components in pairs, left and right.
It sounds like it is time for some new front rotors.

Removing them is cake.

Remove tire (5 lug nuts)
remove 2 bolts holding Caliper
do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line
at this point, the rotors simply come off. no tools required

install the new ones, and reassemble. It cannot get any simpler.
You might need to use a big C-clamp to push the caliper piston back in its bore. This will allow ample clearance for the pads to clear the rotor for installation of the calliper.

As cheap as pads are, you might as well toss some new ones in while you are at it too.

 

The bolts that hold the rotor are on the back side of the rotor and require an 3/8" allen wrench. That's the only nonstraight forward thing to it.

 

Thanks guys. I'll be replacing both front rotor.

 

You can always test the back brakes seperately from the fronts to see if they are causing the problem by stopping once or twice using only the E brake.

But like it was said before, the fronts are usually the problem. Specially with automatics.

 

Usually, if you feel the vibration in the steering wheel when braking, it indicates the front rotors are warped. If you feel the vibration in the seat (so to speak), it indicates the rear rotors are warped. As stated earlier, no need to try and pinpoint left or right, turn or replace both.

 

He means Caliper. There are no bolts on the rotor, other than the lugnuts.