Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection

Special Tools 

J 8001  Dial Indicator set, or Equivalent

1. With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained by wheel lug nuts, clean the braking/friction surfaces of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol or an equivalent approved brake cleaner.
2. Inspect the braking surfaces of the brake rotor for the following braking surface conditions:
   • Heavy rust and/or pitting

     Light surface rust can be removed with an abrasive disc; heavy surface rust and/or pitting must be removed by refinishing the rotor.

   • Cracks and/or heat spots
   • Excessive blueing discoloration
3. If the braking surfaces of the brake rotor exhibits one or more of the braking surface conditions, the rotor requires refinishing or replacement.

4. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

   Using a calibrated micrometer measure and record the thickness variation of the brake rotor at 4 or more points around the brake rotor.

   Ensure that the measurements are only taken within the brake pad lining contact area and that the micrometer is positioned the same distance from the outside edge of the rotor for each measurement.

5. Compare the thickness variation recorded to the following specification:

   Specification 

   Brake rotor maximum allowable thickness variation 0.025 mm (0.001 in).

6. If the brake rotor thickness variation exceeds the specification, the rotor requires refinishing or replacement.
7. Using the micrometer measure and record any grooves present on the rotor braking surface.
8. Compare the groove/scoring depth recorded to the following specification:

   Specification 

   Brake rotor maximum allowable scoring 1.50 mm (0.059 in).

9. If the brake rotor scoring depth exceeds the specification, or if an excessive amount of scoring is present, the rotor requires refinishing or replacement.

10. Courtesy of GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY

    Mount a dial indicator J 8001  Dial Indicator set, or Equivalent and position the indicator button so it contacts the brake rotor at a 90 degree angle, approximately 13 mm (0.5 in) from the rotor's outer edge.

11. Measure and record the lateral runout of the brake rotor.
    1. Rotate the rotor until the lowest reading is displayed on the indicator dial and zero the dial.
    2. Rotate the rotor until the highest reading is displayed on the dial.
    3. Measure and record the amount of lateral runout.
12. Compare the lateral runout of the brake rotor to the following specification:

    Specification 

    Brake rotor maximum allowable lateral runout 0.05 mm (0.002 in).

13. If the brake rotor lateral runout exceeds the specification the rotor requires refinishing or replacement.