How do I Operate a Brake Lathe?

Brake lathes have become a staple machine in all automotive repair facilities. A brake lathe is designed to remove a thin layer of the brake rotor or drum, leaving a new surface for the brake pads to grip. This process is known as machining or "turning" rotors.

Instructions

1

Select a proper centering cone from the ones provided with the brake lathe. The cone goes into the rear of the rotor. You want the cone to only go about 1/2 to 1 inch into the hole in the center of the rotor.

2

Turn the crank that adjusts the cutting arm until the arm is extended away from the axle of the lathe.

3

Put the cone on the axle of the brake lathe; make certain that the spring is on the axle before putting the cone on. Put the rotor over the cone and place the rotor cup over the front of the rotor. This cup holds the rotor on the cone.

4

Place the lead nut on the axle threads. Make certain to have the non-threaded side going on first. Hand-tighten the nut, then tighten it 1/4 of a turn using the lathe wrench.

5

Turn the arm adjusting crank until the cutting blades are over the rotor.

6

Loosen the nuts on the end of the cutting arm and adjust the position of the arm so that there is equal space between the two blades and the rotor. Tighten the nuts with the lathe wrench.

7

Loosen the screws on the blades and turn the adjustment knobs, at the end of the arm, until the blades are touching the rotor. Tighten the locking screws using your hand.

8

Turn the power switch to the "on" position. Turn the adjuster knob until you hear the cutting bits touch the rotor. Turn the gauge on the adjusting knob so that the indicator is pointing to zero.

9

Turn the arm adjusting knob until you reach the center hub of the rotor. Do not touch the center hub.

10

Turn the blade adjustment knob until the gauge reaches .0005 and pull the lever that begins the movement of the blades. Keep the speed set to the slowest speed for the best cut.

11

Repeat steps 8 and 9, turn the blade adjustment knobs to add an additional .0005.

12

Repeat step 11 until the rotor is completely resurfaced.