Brake Diagnosis
What tool do you use to check the thickness of a brake rotor?
Disc brake micrometer
What should you inspect before removing a brake caliper?
Check for leaks, damage, and pad wear
What tool is used to check rotor runout?
Dial indicator
What’s the difference between using an on-car lathe and an off-car lathe?
On-car lathe works with rotor still mounted; off-car lathe requires rotor removal
Why is it important to torque lug nuts correctly?
Ensures proper clamping force and prevents wheel damage
What might cause the steering wheel to shake when braking at high speeds?
Warped rotors or rotor thickness variation
What parts of the caliper should be checked for wear or damage?
Mountings, slides, and guide pins
What should you look for when inspecting a rotor?
Surface condition, thickness, and runout
What should you do before refinishing a rotor on the vehicle?
Secure rotor, check lathe setup, clean surface
What should you inspect when checking wheel studs?
Look for damage, wear, or stripped threads
What two measurements should you take when checking a rotor for problems?
Rotor thickness and rotor runout
What tool helps push the caliper piston back into place?
Caliper piston retracting tool
When should you replace a rotor instead of resurfacing it?
If thickness is below minimum spec or damage is too severe
Why is cleaning the machine important after refinishing rotors?
Prevents contamination and ensures accurate cuts
What tool can help you remove a damaged wheel stud?
Hammer and stud installer or press tool
Name two tools used to diagnose disc brake issues.
Dial indicator, brake lining thickness gauge
What do wear indicators on brake pads tell you?
They show when pads are worn and need replacement
Why is it important to know the minimum thickness of a rotor?
To ensure safe braking and avoid failure
What checks should be done before starting the rotor refinishing process?
Check lathe alignment, cutting bits, and rotor condition
What final checks should be done after installing wheels?
Check torque, wheel fitment, and recheck after test drive
What steps should you follow when a customer complains about brake performance?
What are the steps to take apart and reassemble a brake caliper?
Remove caliper → inspect components → clean and lubricate → reassemble with proper torque
What are the steps to safely remove and reinstall a rotor?
Remove wheel → remove caliper → remove rotor → inspect → reinstall in reverse order
Describe how to refinish a rotor that has been removed from the vehicle.
Mount rotor → set up lathe → cut surface → inspect finish → clean and reinstall
How do you replace a broken or damaged wheel stud?
Remove wheel → press out damaged stud → install new stud → torque properly