Brake Rotor Refinishing
WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Chevrolet Malibu. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.
- 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:
- Inspect the thickness of each of the disc brake rotors. See DISC BRAKE ROTOR THICKNESS MEASUREMENT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
- Inspect each of the disc brake rotors for excessive surface wear and/or lateral runout. See DISC BRAKE ROTOR SURFACE AND WEAR INSPECTION under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
- If the rotors can be refinished, proceed with the rotor refinishing procedure.
- Use the Rotor Resurfacing Kit (J-41013) in order to thoroughly clean any corrosion from the wheel bearing flange.
- Use the Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit (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. See DISC BRAKE ROTOR THICKNESS MEASUREMENT under ADJUSTMENTS & INSPECTIONS.
- 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 brake cleaner.
- Remove the brake rotor from the brake lathe.