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Brake Rotor Refinishing

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NOTE: Tools Required: Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit (J-42450-A), Rotor Resurfacing Kit (J-41013).
NOTE: DO NOT refinish the brake rotors in order to correct any of the following complaints:
  • Growl or squeal brake noise.
  • Premature brake lining wear.
  • Cosmetic or superficial corrosion of the rotor braking surface.
  • Rotor discoloration.
NOTE: Refinish the brake rotors ONLY when one or more of the following conditions exist:
  • Groove depth in excess of specification.
  • Severe scoring of the rotor braking surface.
  • Brake pulsation caused by the following:
    1. Lateral runout in excess of specification.
    2. Brake rotor thickness variation in excess of specification.
    3. Corrosion or pitting that is deeper than the rotor braking surface.
  1. Use the Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit in order to clean the wheel bearing/hub. Using the Rotor Resurfacing Kit, thoroughly clean any rust or corrosion from the mating surface and mounting surface of the brake rotor.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. After each successive cut, inspect the brake rotor thickness. See BRAKE ROTOR THICKNESS MEASUREMENT  .
  7. If at any time the brake rotor exceeds the minimum allowable thickness after refinish specification, the brake rotor must be replaced.
  8. After refinishing the brake rotor, use the following procedure in order to obtain the desired non-directional finish:
    1. Follow the brake lathe manufacturer's recommended speed setting for applying a non-directional finish.
    2. 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.
    3. After applying a non-directional finish, clean each friction surface of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol, or an equivalent approved brake cleaner.
  9. 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  .
  10. If the brake rotor assembled LRO measurement exceeds the specification, bring the LRO to within specifications. See BRAKE ROTOR ASSEMBLED LATERAL RUNOUT (LRO) CORRECTION  .
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