Tools Required
Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.
- The disc brake rotors do not require refinishing as part of routine brake
system service. Do not refinish disc brake rotors in an attempt to correct
the following conditions:
• | Brake system noise - squeal, growl, groan |
• | Uneven and/or premature disc brake pad wear |
• | Superficial or cosmetic corrosion/rust of the disc brake rotor surface |
• | Scoring of the disc brake rotor surface less than the maximum allowable
specification |
- Disc brake rotors should only be refinished if the following conditions
exist:
• | Excessive corrosion/rust and/or pitting |
• | Cracks and/or heat spots |
• | Excessive blueing discoloration |
• | Scoring of the disc brake rotor surface in excess of the maximum allowable
specification |
• | Lateral runout in excess of the maximum allowable specification |
• | Thickness variation in excess of the maximum allowable specification |
- Inspect each of the disc brake rotors and determine if the rotors can
be refinished and remain above the minimum allowable thickness after refinish
specification:
- If the rotors can be refinished, proceed with the rotor refinishing
procedure.
Important: Failure to clean the corrosion from the wheel bearing flange, brake rotor
mating surface, and brake rotor mounting face may result in increased lateral
runout of the brake rotor and brake system pulsation.
- Use the J 41013
in
order to thoroughly clean any corrosion from the wheel bearing flange.
- Use the J 42450-A
in order to thoroughly clean any corrosion/rust from the brake rotor mating surface
and mounting face.
- Mount the brake rotor to the brake lathe according to the lathe manufacturer's
instructions, ensuring that all mounting attachments and adapters are clean
and free of debris.
- Ensure that any vibration dampening attachments are securely in place.
- With the brake lathe running, slowly bring in the cutting tools until
they just contact the brake rotor friction surfaces.
- Observe the witness mark on the brake rotor. If the witness mark extends
approximately three-quarters or more of the way around the brake rotor
surface on each side, the brake rotor is properly mounted to the lathe.
- If the witness mark does not extend three-quarters or more of the way
around the brake rotor, re-mount the rotor to the lathe.
- Following the brake lathe manufacturer's instructions, refinish the
brake rotor.
- After each successive cut, inspect the brake rotor thickness. Refer
to
Brake Rotor Thickness Measurement
.
- If at any time the brake rotor exceeds the minimum allowable thickness
after refinish specification, the brake rotor must be replaced.
- After refinishing the brake rotor, use the following procedure in order
to obtain the desired non-directional finish:
15.1. | Follow the brake lathe manufacturer's recommended speed setting for
applying a non-directional finish |
15.2. | Using moderate pressure, apply the non-directional finish: |
• | If the lathe is equipped with a non-directional finishing tool, apply
the finish with 120 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper |
• | If the lathe is not equipped with a non-directional finishing tool,
apply the finish with a sanding block and 150 grit aluminum oxide
sandpaper |
15.3. | After applying a non-directional finish, clean each friction surface
of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol or an equivalent brake cleaner |
- Remove the brake rotor from the brake lathe.