To reface or resurface brake discs (also known as rotors), you typically need professional equipment found at automotive service centers. Based on the process, there are two main ways this is commonly done.
Option 1: Off-Vehicle Resurfacing
One common method for resurfacing brake rotors involves removing them from your vehicle.
- Process: You will need to remove the brake rotors from the wheel hub assembly.
- Location: Once removed, you take the rotors to an auto parts store or a dedicated brake shop. These facilities have the necessary machinery, such as a brake lathe, to precisely shave a thin layer of material off the rotor surface.
- Outcome: This process removes imperfections like scoring, warping, or hot spots, providing a smooth and flat surface for the brake pads to grip.
This approach requires you to be comfortable with removing and reinstalling the brake discs yourself, or having someone do that part for you before taking the rotors for machining.
Option 2: On-Vehicle Resurfacing
If you prefer not to remove the rotors yourself, or if it's more convenient, resurfacing can often be done while the rotors are still mounted on the vehicle.
- Process: You take your vehicle to an auto shop.
- Location: At the auto shop, they can use a specialized on-car brake lathe. This machine attaches directly to the vehicle's hub assembly.
- Benefit: Resurfacing the rotors while they are still on the vehicle helps ensure that the new surface is perfectly parallel to the hub assembly, which can potentially lead to better brake performance and reduced issues like brake pulsation.
This method is often preferred for convenience and potential precision, especially if you are not experienced with automotive repair or find removing the rotors problematic.
In summary, to reface brake discs, you either remove them and take them to a shop or store for machining, or you take your entire vehicle to an auto shop where the work can be performed with the rotors still attached.
