Brake Rotor Surface & Wear Inspection
WARNING:
Avoid grinding brake linings, sanding brake linings or cleaning wheel brake parts with a dry brush or with compressed air, when servicing wheel brake parts. Some models or aftermarket brake parts may contain asbestos fibers which can become airborne in dust. Breathing dust with asbestos fibers may cause serious bodily harm. Use a water-dampened cloth in order to remove any dust on brake parts. Equipment is available commercially in order to perform this washing function. These wet methods prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
- If the inboard friction surface of the brake rotor is not accessible, reposition and support the caliper with the brake pads. See BRAKE PADS under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.
- Clean the friction surfaces of the brake rotor with denatured alcohol, or an equivalent approved brake cleaner.
- Inspect the friction 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. See BRAKE ROTOR REFINISHING under OVERHAUL.
- Cracks and/or heat spots.
- Excessive blueing discoloration.
- If the friction surfaces of the brake rotor exhibit one or more of the braking surface conditions, the rotor requires refinishing or replacement.
- Using a micrometer, measure and record the scoring depth of any grooves present on the rotor friction surfaces. See Fig 1.
- Compare the lowest thickness measurement recorded to the rotor minimum allowable thickness after refinishing and the rotor discard thickness specifications. See DISC BRAKE SPECIFICATIONS .
- If the brake rotor scoring depth exceeds the specification, or if an excessive amount of scoring is present, the rotor requires refinishing or replacement. See BRAKE ROTOR under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION.