How to Check a Brake Rotor

Brake rotors should be checked at least as often as you change the brake pads and more often, if possible. Checking the brake rotors is not hard to do, but it's not something that you can do with the wheel on your vehicle. Consult the rotor specs in your vehicle owner's manual to determine the minimum thickness for your rotors. The brake rotors will have different requirements based on type and the function of the automobile.

Instructions

1

Park your vehicle on a level surface and turn of the ignition. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the vehicle with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the vehicle and raise it up to the frame.

2

Remove the wheel from the car using the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts.

3

Check the front surface of the rotor for grooves, nicks, cracks or any other damage. Repeat your inspection on the back of the rotor.

4

Place the micrometer on the rotor and squeeze the jaws shut on the rotor. Note you measurement to determine if it falls within the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines. Measure the diameter of the rotor from top to bottom to determine if it falls within the manufacturer's specifications.

5

Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle and lower the vehicle back to the ground with the jack. Repeat the process on the next wheel.