Brake Rotor Tools

Brake rotors are what stop the vehicle when the brake pedal is pressed. The brake rotors rotate while the vehicles is in motion and have brake pads on either side of them that close when the automobile is stopped. The brake pads press against the brake rotors, causing a groove to be created in the rotors. The tools used to check the life of the brake rotors are essential.

Digital Measuring Tool

Once the tires are removed from the automobile, the brake rotors are accessible and the wear groove can be seen. Before doing any work on the brake rotor, check to determine if the wear on the rotors is beyond the allowable limit. A digital measuring tool or caliper can be used to check this wear. This measuring tool slides over the brake rotors and then tightened to check the depth of the groove made by the brake pads. The pressure of the brake pads against the rotors is what causes the vehicle to stop. The wear groove made in the brake rotors should not exceed .003 inch.

Rotor Access Tools

The brake rotors need to be replaced if there is too much wear. The mechanic needs to remove the brake pads and calipers to gain access to the rotors. A technician or mechanic needs a caliper separating tool and star tool in order to remove the brake pads and access the brake rotors. The star tool is used to loosen the brake line or brake hose, which holds the brake fluid. This drain plug is loosened with the star tool and drained so the brake pads can be removed. The star tool looks just like a five- or six-pointed star and attaches to a socket wrench or ratchet. Once the brake fluid is drained off, a caliper spreading tool is attached to the inside of the brake pads to push the pads open so they can be slid off the brake rotors.

Wrench, Socket and Ratchet

The brake pads should be hung from a bungee cord and not allowed to hang freely on the brake hose in order to eliminate damage to the brake line. Once the brake pads have been removed from the brake rotors, the mechanic uses a ratchet and socket to remove the brake rotors from the axle assembly. The brake rotors are attached to the axle with a large retaining bolt, and once this bolt is removed, the brake rotors can be slid off the wheel studs. The wheel studs are what hold the tire onto the vehicle and what fthe lug nuts tighten onto.