Lateral Runout Check

NOTICE: Whenever the rotor has been separated from the wheel bearing flange, clean any rust or contaminants from the wheel flange and brake rotor mating surfaces. Failure to do this may result in increased lateral runout of the rotor, and brake pulsation.

The best way to check lateral runout is with the wheels still installed on the vehicle. This gives a much more accurate reading of the Total Indicated Runout (T.I.R.) under braking conditions. If equipment is not available to perform the check with the wheels installed, the next best reading can be made with the wheels removed but the caliper still installed.

1. Clean rotor surface.

Important: If the wheel must be removed, reinstall the wheel nuts to retain the rotor. Tighten wheel nuts to the correct torque specification following the wheel nut tightening sequence shown.

2. Fasten a dial indicator to the steering knuckle so that the indicator button contacts the rotor surface about 13 mm (0.5 inch) from the outer edge.
3. Set dial indicator to zero.
4. Turn the wheel one complete revolution and observe the runout indicated on the dial. The T.I.R. must not exceed 0.080 mm (0.003 inch).
5. If lateral runout exceeds the amount specified in Step 4, refinish or replace the rotor.

In some cases, excessive lateral runout of the rotor can be improved by indexing the rotor on the hub one or two-bolt positions from the original position. If the lateral runout cannot be corrected by indexing the rotor, check the hub and bearing for excessive lateral runout or looseness. If the hub and bearing lateral runout exceeds 0.040 mm (0.0015 inch) then replace the hub and bearing. If lateral runout is within specifications, then refinish or replace the rotor as necessary.