Brake Rotor Refinishing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 6 other vehicles, including the 2004 Oldsmobile Bravada, 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, 2004 GMC Envoy XL, 2004 GMC Envoy, and 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Tools Required

J 41013 Rotor Resurfacing Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .
J 42450-A Wheel Hub Resurfacing Kit. See Special Tools and Equipment .

IMPORTANT: Do NOT refinish the brake rotors in order to correct any of the following complaints:

Growl or squeal brake noise
Premature brake lining wear
Cosmetic or superficial corrosion of the rotor braking surface
Rotor discoloration

Refinish the brake rotors ONLY when 1 or more of the following conditions exist:

Groove depth in excess of specification
Severe scoring of the rotor braking surface
Brake pulsation caused by the following:
- Lateral runout in excess of specification
- Brake rotor thickness variation in excess of specification
- Corrosion or pitting that is deeper than the rotor braking surface

Use the J 42450-A in order to clean the wheel bearing/hub. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Use a micrometer in order to measure the thinnest point of the brake rotor. If the thinnest point of the brake rotor exceeds the brake rotor minimum thickness, do NOT refinish the brake rotor. Replace the brake rotor.
Use the J 41013 in order to THOROUGHLY clean the rust from the brake rotor flange. See Special Tools and Equipment .
Refinish the brake rotor. Refer to the brake lathe manufacturer's operating instructions.

IMPORTANT: Failure to obtain the best possible braking surface finish may cause the vehicle to stop with difficulty.

After machining the rotor, use 120 grit aluminum oxide sandpaper and a non-directional rotor finisher, if available, in order to create a non-directional braking surface.
Clean the braking surfaces with GM P/N 12377981 (Canadian P/N 10953463) or equivalent, brake parts cleaner.