Brake rotors are manufactured with close tolerances for thickness variation, flatness, and lateral runout, but pits and grooves are created in rotors during usage. Lack of uniformity of the braking surfaces of the rotor can cause inadequate braking and
a pulsating pedal during braking.
The surface finish of the rotor is also important because an unsuitable finish of the rotor can cause pulling and rapid wear of the brake shoe lining. Light scoring of the rotor surfaces is acceptable if the scoring does not exceed 0.40 mm (0.016 in)
in depth. Scoring measurements can be made with a commercially available brake micrometer. If a rotor does not meet the specification, refinish or replace the rotor. Refinishing of the rotor should only be done with precision equipment.
Front Rotor Inspection Procedure
Measure the thickness of the rotor at 4 or more points around the circumference of the rotor, at the same distance from the edge of the rotor. A new rotor is 24 mm (0.95 in) thick. Discard the rotor if the thickness is 22 mm (0.87 in)
or less.
Rotor thickness that varies by more than 0.01 mm (0.0004 in) can cause brake pedal pulsation and/or front end vibration during brake applications. A rotor that does not meet these specifications should be refinished to specifications or replaced.
Using a commercially available dial indicator, measure the lateral runout of the front brake rotor as follows:
- Position the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- To preserve the wheel balance, mark the relative positions of the wheel and hub.
- Remove the front tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
- Remove the rotor. Refer to
Front Brake Rotor Replacement
.
- Clean the rotor.
- Clean the hub.
- Verify the hub-to-rotor contact surfaces are smooth and free from burrs.
- Fasten the brake rotor to the wheel hub.
- Mount the dial indicator.
- Set the gage probe tip to approximately 10 mm (0.39 in) from the outer edge of the brake rotor, perpendicular to the disc and under slight preload.
- Rotate the rotor and observe the indicator gage.
- Determine the lateral runout of the rotor.
Specification
The maximum allowable lateral runout of the front rotor installed on the vehicle is 0.06 mm (0.002 in).
- Remove the dial indicator.
- Refinish the rotor, if required, with precision equipment. Discard the rotor if the rotor fails to meet the specifications after refinishing.
- Complete the installation of the rotor. Refer to
Front Brake Rotor Replacement
.
- Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
- Lower the vehicle.
Rear Rotor Inspection Procedure
Measure the thickness of the rotor at 4 or more points around the circumference of the rotor at the same distance in form the edge of the rotor. A new rotor is 10.4 mm (0.95 in) thick. Discard the rotor if the thickness is 8 mm (0.31 in)
or less.
Rotor thickness that varies by more than 0.01 mm (0.0004 in) can cause brake pedal pulsation and/or rear brake vibration during brake applications. A rotor that does not meet these specifications should be refinished to specifications or
replaced.
Using a commercially available dial indicator, measure the lateral runout of the rear brake rotor as follows:
- Position the shift lever in NEUTRAL.
- Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to
Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle
.
- To preserve the wheel balance, mark the relative positions of the wheel and the hub.
- Remove the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
- Remove the rotor. Refer to
Rear Brake Rotor Replacement
.
- Clean the rotor.
- Clean the hub.
- Verify the hub-to-rotor contact surfaces are smooth and free from burrs.
- Fasten the brake rotor to the wheel hub.
- Mount the dial indicator.
- Place the indicator tip approximately 10 mm (0.39 in) from the outer edge of brake rotor, perpendicular to the disc and under slight preload.
- Rotate the rotor and observe the indicator gage.
- Determine the lateral runout of the rotor.
Specification
The maximum allowable lateral runout of the rear installed on the vehicle is 0.08 mm (0.003 in).
- Remove the dial indicator.
- If necessary, refinish the rotor with precision equipment.
- Complete the installation of the rotor. Refer to
Rear Brake Rotor Replacement
.
- Align the marks that were made before the wheel removal, and install the rear tire and wheel assembly. Refer to
Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation
.
- Lower the vehicle.