Brake Rotor Refinishing

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2004 Pontiac Vibe. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 42450-A Hub Cleaning Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .
J 41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .

IMPORTANT: DO NOT refinish the brake rotors in order to correct any of the following conditions:

Brake noise, such as a growl or squeal
Premature brake lining wear
Superficial corrosion of the rotor braking surface
Rotor discoloration

Refinish the brake rotors ONLY when one or more of the following conditions exist:

Severe scoring of the rotor braking surface, the groove depth in excess of specification
Brake pulsation that is caused by the following conditions:
- Lateral runout in excess of specification
- Brake rotor thickness variation in excess of specification
- Corrosion or pitting that is deeper than the rotor braking surface

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 with the J 42450 hub cleaning kit. Failure to do this may result in increased lateral runout of the rotor and brake pulsation.

Use the J 42450-A in order to clean the wheel bearing and the wheel bearing hub. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Use a micrometer in order to measure the thinnest point of the brake rotor. If the thinnest point of the brake rotor exceeds the brake rotor minimum thickness, do NOT refinish the brake rotor. Replace the brake rotor.
Use the J 41013 or an equivalent tool in order to THOROUGHLY clean the rust from the brake rotor flange. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Refinish the brake rotor. Refer to the brake lathe manufacturer's operating instructions.

IMPORTANT: Failure to obtain the best possible surface finish may cause poor braking.

After machining the rotor, use 120-grit aluminum oxide sandpaper and, if available, a non-directional rotor finisher in order to create a non-directional braking surface.
Clean the braking surfaces with GM P/N 12377981, or with an equivalent brake parts cleaner.