New rotors
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 267
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From: Midland TX
New rotors
I need some advice. I just purchased four new brake rotors for my '72. Do they need any preparation prior to installing them? For instance, do they need to be surfaced to get that rough surface against the brake shoes or do you just clean them and put them on? Does surfacing the rotors reduce run-out? Thanks for any help.
Senior Member since 1492
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: Just because I'm paranoid doesn't mean people aren't out to get me...
St. Jude Donor '09
Re: New rotors (Obdoc)
So far I've only replaced my front rotors. The rears, I believe will need the runout checked. Otherwise I just sprayed some brake parts cleaner onto a shop towel and removed the slight oil that's on the rotor surface to prevent corrosion from starting during shipping.
On another vehicle I have I just bolted them right on and started driving. I did get a little "burning oil" smell as the light factory coating wore off.
Make sure your bearings are seated and seals intact.
On another vehicle I have I just bolted them right on and started driving. I did get a little "burning oil" smell as the light factory coating wore off.
Make sure your bearings are seated and seals intact.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 11,485
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From: Far side of the Moon
CI 4-5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-16-'17
Re: New rotors (Obdoc)
Seems just about everyone you ask has a different view on this issue.
Some folks say turn 'em to reduce runnout. Some folks say if you turn 'em you're taking metal off the rotor.
Then you gotta wonder, does a new rotor really suffer from runout... and if so, does it suffer from more runout than if you had Bubba turn 'em. smash:
I'm one of the later believers. For more years than I care to admit, when replacing rotor I simply clean off the shipping oil and use them as-is. I have never had a problem. :)
Some folks say turn 'em to reduce runnout. Some folks say if you turn 'em you're taking metal off the rotor.
Then you gotta wonder, does a new rotor really suffer from runout... and if so, does it suffer from more runout than if you had Bubba turn 'em. smash:
I'm one of the later believers. For more years than I care to admit, when replacing rotor I simply clean off the shipping oil and use them as-is. I have never had a problem. :)
Pro
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 749
Likes: 2
From: Gabriola BC
Re: New rotors (gb4622)
When replacing corvette rotors I think runout is as much a matter of the splindle hub as it is the rotor so unless you are going to have them trued while bolted to the spindle I would not surface them first. Even then I would try and correct runout with shims before I did anything else.
bob
bob
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 1,191
Likes: 1
Re: New rotors (bob)
I got new fronts, and resurfaced the rears, during the winter 2001/2002 suspension, brake and steering box rebuild project (really 12 months to the day).
I had the fronts turned when I bought them, thinking I would at least get the surfaces trued. Kinda' wish I hadn't since one was not far from spec, and I ended up shimming them anyway.
If I were to do it again, I'd hold out for American/Canadian made rotors and not get them turned, but go ahead and shim them down to under 5-thousandths.
I had the fronts turned when I bought them, thinking I would at least get the surfaces trued. Kinda' wish I hadn't since one was not far from spec, and I ended up shimming them anyway.
If I were to do it again, I'd hold out for American/Canadian made rotors and not get them turned, but go ahead and shim them down to under 5-thousandths.
