Rotor Inspection

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 8 other vehicles, including the 2011 Mazda RX-8, 2010 Mazda RX-8, 2009 Mazda RX-8, 2008 Mazda RX-8, and 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Inspect the rotor and side housing clearance according to the following procedure:
- If it is less than the minimum specification, replace the rotor.
1. Measure the width of the rotor housing in the position shown in the figure using a micrometer.
  CAUTION:
  - Move the sheet metal piece out of the way when measuring.
  Fig 1: Measuring Rotor Housing Width
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
2. Measure the rotor width at various positions around the rotor round periphery using a micrometer.
  
  Fig 2: Measuring Rotor Width
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
3. Compute the rotor and side housing clearance using the measurements from (1) and (2).
  Rotor And Side Housing Clearance = (Rotor Housing Width) - (Maximum Rotor Width) Standard Clearance
  1. 0.05-0.19 mm {0.0020-0.0074 in}
  Minimum Clearance
  1. 0.05 mm {0.002 in}
    
    Fig 3: Rotor & Side Housing Clearance
    Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Measure the protrusion of the rotor round using a straight edge and a feeler gauge.
CAUTION:
- Measure the protrusion of the rotor round in the three apexes of the rotor on both the front and rear sides.
- Because the rotor round has two levels, be careful not to measure the level difference of the middle level.
- If it is less than the minimum specification, replace the rotor.
Standard Projection
1. 0.12-0.18 mm {0.0048-0.0070 in}
Minimum Projection
1. 0.1 mm {0.0039 in}
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Rotor Round Protrusion
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Inspect the corner seal groove of the rotor by inserting the SST .
- If 1/2 or more of either end of the SST can be inserted into the seal groove, replace the corner seal.
- If 1/2 or more of both ends of the SST can be inserted into the corner seal groove, replace the rotor.
  
  Fig 5: Inspecting Corner Seal Groove
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- Do not push the SST in with force.
- Keep the SST perpendicular to the seal groove.
- When replacing the corner seal, replace with one that matches the S or L inscription on the rotor.
Measure the clearance between the apex seal groove and the apex seal using a feeler gauge.
- If it exceeds the maximum specification, replace the apex seal.
- If the clearance is still not within the standard after replacing the apex seal, replace the rotor.
Standard Clearance
1. 0.042-0.101 mm {0.0017-0.0039 in}
Maximum Clearance
1. 0.15 mm {0.0059 in}
  
  Fig 6: Measuring Apex Seal Groove-To-Apex Seal Clearance
  Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.