Brake Rotor Refinishing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Pontiac Sunfire and 2003 Chevrolet Cavalier. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
NOTE:
Required Tools: Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit (J-42450-A) and Rotor Resurfacing Kit (J-41013).
- Using the Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface of the hub/axle flange.
- Using the Rotor Resurfacing Kit, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface and mounting surface of the brake rotor.
- Inspect the mating surfaces of the hub/axle flange and the rotor to ensure that there are no foreign particles or debris remaining.
- 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 friction 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. See 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:
- Follow the brake lathe manufacturer's recommended speed setting for applying a non-directional finish.
- 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.
- After applying a non-directional finish, clean each friction surface of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol, or an equivalent approved brake cleaner.
- Remove the brake rotor from the brake lathe.
- Measure the assembled Lateral Runout (LRO) of the brake rotor to ensure optimum performance of the disc brakes. See BRAKE ROTOR ASSEMBLED LATERAL RUNOUT (LRO) MEASUREMENT .
- If the brake rotor assembled LRO measurement exceeds the specification, bring the LRO to within specifications. See BRAKE ROTOR ASSEMBLED LATERAL RUNOUT (LRO) CORRECTION .