GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Leave the wheels on the vehicle when performing a lateral runout check in order to obtain the most accurate reading of the total indicated runout (TIR) under real breaking conditions. If the equipment is not available to perform the check with the wheels installed, remove the wheels. Leave the caliper in place.

NOTICE: Any time the brake rotor is separated from the wheel bearing flange, clean any rust or foreign material from the mating surfaces of the wheel bearing flange and the rotor. Failure to do so can result in increased lateral runout of the rotor and brake pulsation.

  1. Clean the surface of the rotor.
  2. Important: If it is necessary to remove the wheel, reinstall the wheel nuts in order to retain the rotor. Tighten the wheel nuts to the correct torque specification. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications in Tires and Wheels. Failure to properly tighten the wheel nuts may cause pedal pulsation and/or front end vibration during the brake applications.

  3. Fasten a dial indicator to the steering knuckle so that the indicator button contacts the rotor surface about 13 mm (0.5 in) from the outer edge.
  4. Set the dial indicator to 0.
  5. Turn the wheel 1 complete revolution. Observe the runout indicated on the dial.
  6. Refinish or replace any rotor which is not within the lateral runout specifications.
  7. The total indicated runout (TIR) for the front disc brake rotors must not exceed 0.25 mm (0.010 in). The TIR for the rear disc brakes must not exceed 0.25 mm (0.010 in).

In some cases, indexing the rotor on the hub by 1 or 2 bolt positions away from the original position will reduce the lateral runout. If it is impossible to correct the amount of lateral runout by indexing the rotor, then inspect the hub and bearing assembly for excessive lateral runout or looseness. If the hub and the bearing assembly lateral runout exceeds 0.13 mm (0.005 in), repair or replace the hub and the bearing assembly.