Brake Rotor/Disc: Testing and Inspection

DIAGNOSIS AND TESTING - DISC BRAKE ROTOR

Special Tools:






The rotor braking surfaces should not be refinished unless necessary.

Light surface rust and scale can be removed with a lathe equipped with dual sanding discs. The rotor surfaces can be restored by machining with a disc brake lathe if surface scoring and wear are light.

Replace the rotor for the following conditions:

- Severely Scored
- Tapered
- Hard Spots
- Cracked
- Below Minimum Thickness

ROTOR MINIMUM THICKNESS

Measure rotor thickness at the center of the brake shoe contact surface. Replace the rotor if below minimum thickness, or if machining would reduce thickness below the allowable minimum.

Rotor minimum thickness is usually specified on the rotor hub. The specification is either stamped or cast into the hub surface.

ROTOR RUNOUT










Check rotor lateral runout with Dial Indicator Set (1). Excessive lateral runout will cause brake pedal pulsation and rapid, uneven wear of the brake shoes. Position the dial indicator plunger approximately 25.4 mm (1 in.) inward from the rotor edge.

NOTE: Be sure wheel bearing has zero end play before checking rotor runout.

Maximum allowable rotor runout is 0.050 mm (0.002 in.).

ROTOR THICKNESS VARIATION










Variations in rotor thickness will cause pedal pulsation, noise and shudder.

Measure rotor thickness at 6 to 12 points around the rotor face.

Position the micrometer (1) approximately 25.4 mm (1 in.) from the rotor (2) outer circumference for each measurement.

Thickness should not vary by more than 0.015 mm (0.0059 in.) from point-to-point on the rotor. Machine or replace the rotor if necessary.