Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 9,061
Likes: 214
From: Epping NH
Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer?
My brakes are vibrating when doing braking from 55 MPH and above. I'm guessing it is a warp rotor, but I don't know which one. Any tricks to finding one without a micrometer? It feels like it is in the rear, but I don't know which side.
I may just buy new rotors, where is the best place and price to get stock rotors from?
Thanks.
I may just buy new rotors, where is the best place and price to get stock rotors from?
Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer? (bac22)
By all means replace the rotors in pairs.
On the front you could simply spin the wheel and listen as someone lightly applies the brakes; not sure how to do this test out back though.
On the front you could simply spin the wheel and listen as someone lightly applies the brakes; not sure how to do this test out back though.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 54,124
Likes: 30
From: Cincinnati, Oh USA
Re: Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer? (bac22)
You can buy a micrometer for $25. That may not show the rotor condition, so also buy a dial indicator and you can get one for under $25 too. Rotor thickness should not be less than .745 inch and if thicker, they can be turned. I have had reasonable life after turning. Of course my mechanic knows what he is doing and the last time he did this, he removed only .002 inch to straighten them. Some ham fisted mechanics take way too much off the rotors and that shortens their life.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 743
Likes: 4
From: Guyton GA
Re: Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer? (bac22)
If you can't tell if it is warped by just spinning the wheel then try this: Remove the wheel and reinstall a couple lug nuts to hold the rotor firmly. Set something (like a jack stand) against the side of the rotor and turn the rotor. Any warpage should be visible. Do both sides of the rotor.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,206
Likes: 0
From: USA USA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Finding a warped rotor without a micrometer? (jfb)
Dial indicator is the only way to check for an out of parallel condition.
Micrometer will just tell you how thick the rotor is,you can buy
an indicator w/a magnetic base and place it on something solid and flat,
and slide it up to the car,then spin the rotor and walla-she is warped!!
Just clarifying what was said above,you will need a thousands indicator
(.001")versus a (.0001").
Matt
Micrometer will just tell you how thick the rotor is,you can buy
an indicator w/a magnetic base and place it on something solid and flat,
and slide it up to the car,then spin the rotor and walla-she is warped!!
Just clarifying what was said above,you will need a thousands indicator
(.001")versus a (.0001").
Matt
