Lateral Runout Check

The best way to check lateral runout is with the wheels still installed on the vehicle. This gives a more accurate reading of the Total Indicated Runout (TIR) under actual braking conditions. If you do not have the equipment to do the check with the wheels installed, the next best reading can be made with the wheels removed but with the caliper still installed. If you must remove the wheel, reinstall the wheel nuts to retain the rotor. Tighten the wheel nuts to the correct specifications.
1. Clean rotor surface.
2. Fasten a dial indicator to the steering knuckle so indicator button contacts the rotor surface about 13 mm (1/2 inch) from the outer edge.
3. Zero the dial indicator.
4. Move wheel (or rotor) one complete revolution, and check the TIR. TIR must not exceed 0.08 mm (0.003 inch). In some cases, excessive lateral runout can be improved by indexing the rotor on the hub one or two bolt positions from the original position. If the lateral runout cannot be corrected by indexing, check the hub and bearing for excessive lateral runout, or looseness. If the hub and bearing lateral runout exceeds 0.040 mm (0.0015 inch), replace the hub and bearing. If lateral runout is within specifications, refinish or replace the rotor, as needed.

NOTE: Whenever the brake rotor has been separated from the wheel bearing flange, clean any rust or foreign material from the mating surface of the rotor and flange. Failure to do this may result in increased lateral runout of the rotor, and brake pulsation.

5. If lateral runout exceeds the amount specified in Step 4, refinish or replace the rotor, as needed.