Rotor Surfacing

Rotor Surfacing

Rotor surfacing is a process used to remove material from the surface of a brake rotor in order to restore its flatness and trueness. This is necessary when the rotor has become warped or uneven due to heat and wear, which can cause the brakes to squeal, vibrate, or pull to one side.

There are a number of different tools that can be used for rotor surfacing, but the most common is a brake lathe. A brake lathe is a machine that spins the rotor while a cutting tool removes material from the surface. The cutting tool is shaped to match the radius of the rotor, and it is carefully adjusted to remove just enough material to restore the rotor's flatness.

Rotor surfacing is a relatively straightforward process, but it is important to use the correct tools and techniques in order to avoid damaging the rotor. If the rotor is not resurfaced properly, it can lead to premature brake wear and failure.

Types of Rotor Surfacing Tools

• Brake lathe: A brake lathe is the most common tool used for rotor surfacing. It is a machine that spins the rotor while a cutting tool removes material from the surface.
• Rotor hone: A rotor hone is a hand-held tool that is used to remove material from the surface of a rotor. It is typically used on rotors that are too thin to be resurfaced on a brake lathe.
• Rotor scraper: A rotor scraper is a hand-held tool that is used to remove material from the surface of a rotor. It is typically used on rotors that are too thin to be resurfaced on a brake lathe or a rotor hone.

Benefits of Rotor Surfacing

Rotor surfacing can provide a number of benefits, including:

• Improved braking performance: A resurfaced rotor will provide better braking performance than a worn or damaged rotor. This is because the rotor will be flatter and truer, which will allow the brakes to apply more evenly.
• Reduced brake noise: A resurfaced rotor will typically produce less brake noise than a worn or damaged rotor. This is because the rotor will be smoother, which will reduce the amount of friction between the rotor and the brake pads.
• Reduced brake vibration: A resurfaced rotor will typically produce less brake vibration than a worn or damaged rotor. This is because the rotor will be flatter and truer, which will reduce the amount of uneven braking force.

Conclusion

Rotor surfacing is a valuable service that can help to improve the braking performance, reduce brake noise, and reduce brake vibration. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is a good idea to have your rotors resurfaced.