How to Turn Cross Drilled Rotors

Iskandar Blogger 9:05 AM

Cross drilled brake rotors are discs that fit over the wheel hub assembly. The rotor turns with the axle. Pressure from the caliper mechanism forces a brake pad against the rotor surface, forcing the vehicle to slow down. Over time, the heat generated by friction will cause the rotor to warp or become pitted. Even though cross drilled rotors dissipate heat well, they are not immune to failure. When your cross drilled rotors warp or become cracked or pitted, you can replace them. However, if the rotor is not significantly damaged, a cheaper alternative may be to have them turned, also called "resurfacing."

Instructions

    1

    Break the lug nuts loose on the wheel. Place the socket end of the tire wrench over the lug nut and turn the nut 45 degrees (only to loosen). Do not cause the wheel to become unseated from the wheel hub.

    2

    Place the jack underneath the front jack point--located behind the radiator on most vehicles--of your vehicle and jack up the front of the vehicle.

    3

    Place jack stands under the front pinch welds--underneath the front doors--and lower the vehicle onto the stands.

    4

    Continue to remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the wheel hub.

    5

    Remove the upper and lower mounting bolts on the brake caliper. The caliper is the component that fits over the cross drilled rotors and applies clamping force to the rotor.

    6

    Secure the brake caliper to the coil springs above the brake system using zip ties.

    7

    Pull the brake rotor off the wheel hub. Except for Hondas, there is nothing securing the rotor to the hub, so it should pull straight off. For Honda vehicles, remove the two center retaining screws holding the brake rotor to the wheel hub.

    8

    Inspect the brake rotor for pitting or scoring. If you notice excessive wear, pitting or warpage, you cannot turn the rotor and it will need to be replaced. Take the cross drilled rotors to a professional machine shop. Since brake rotors are resurfaced using specialized machines, you will need to have the rotors turned for you--it is not possible to do this procedure by hand.

    9

    Re-install the cross drilled rotor on your wheel hub. Installation is the reverse of removal.