Table of Contents
How do I know what size brake discs I need?
The best way to ensure you get the correct brake discs is to check the diameter of the brake discs already fitted. The diameter and thickness of the disc is illustrated below. To measure the diameter you may not have to remove the wheel, however it would make the measuring process easier.
What tool is used to measure a brake rotor?
For every brake job, you should always use a micrometer or dial indicator to measure for runout (rotor and flange) and the dimensions of the rotor before brake service is performed.
When you measure a rotor you should?
Tip: While measuring, keep a distance of about 45′ apart and 10mm from the rotor edge as the actual brake pad doesn’t contact those edges. Also, for slotted rotors stay away from measuring the slots, as those will skew the results. Same with dimpled/cross-drilled rotors. Keep clear of measuring the holes.
Does the size of the rotor matter?
You can exchange brake pads, experimenting with different material compounds for feel and durability, but rotor size has a much more significant influence on absolute brake performance. The more heat your brake rotors can absorb, the longer they’ll retain stopping power, without fading.
How do you measure brake discs without removing wheels?
Method Cut the straw where you have marked it. Place the cut-off end of the straw next to your ruler and mark 5mm from the end. Move the mark to 0mm on your ruler and take your final measurement. If your brake pads are 4mm and less, consider replacing them.
How many mm should brake rotors be?
Disc brake rotors usually last so long that many people treat them as ‘fit and forget’ components. However, manufacturers provide minimum thicknesses for their rotors. Shimano recommends that its rotors, which start out 1.8mm thick, should be replaced when the braking surface has been reduced to 1.5mm.
When should you measure brake rotor thickness?
So, a technician should measure the thickness of your rotors every time your car has brake service or whenever the brake system is inspected. Besides wearing thinner, your brake rotors can also wear unevenly. You might be able to sense when one does.
What type of micrometer is used to measure a brake rotor?
458BXR Automotive Disc Brake Micrometer 67536 Best used for measuring the depth of wear grooves in disc of brake systems.
How is rotor life measured?
If you have an open-spoke wheel design, you can run your finger vertically down the brake rotor friction surface. If you can feel and see noticeable grooves, then it’s time for new brake rotors. For cars with hub caps that don’t expose the rotor, you will need to remove your wheel to inspect your brake rotors.
Do I need 180mm rotors?
Better for Heavier Individuals and Loaded Bikes The greater the mass, the more braking power is needed to stop the bicycle. For that reason, 180mm rotors are recommended to individuals on the heavier side and to people who transport heavy cargo (e.g., touring cyclists.).
Why are bigger rotors better?
The larger rotors not only provide more power but they also put less strain on your forearms and shoulders since you don’t need to pull the brakes as hard, keeping you fresher for longer and allowing you to ride more actively.
Are front rotors bigger than rear rotors?
The front rotor is bigger because you CAN brake more with the front before losing traction. The rear rotor is smaller because a whole lot of extra braking force is just going to make the wheel lock up anyway, so a bigger rotor would just be a waste.
How do you measure brake thickness?
How to check brake pads: Measure the brake pad thickness by placing the compass points between the backing plate and the rotor. Measure the brake pad thickness at both the top and the bottom of the pad.
How do you visually check brakes?
You might need a flashlight to get a good look at the brake pad. If the pads look thin, less than 1/4″, it might be time to get them replaced. On some brake pads, you might see a wear indicator slot down the center of the pad. If the slot is gone or just barely visible, it’s time for new brake pads.
How long will 1 mm of brakes last?
11mm is the starting point for the brake pads. You have used 7mm in 33k miles because you have 4mm left. It will take 33/7 or 5K miles to wear another 1mm.
How long will 7mm brake pads last?
No worries to replace until it gets down below 2mm. The wear indicator will cause the brakes to squeal as a reminder. 7mm should last for years on the rear and the front would depend on your driving habits.
How do you know if your rotors are too thin?
When a rotor is too thin, it overheats and warps, leading to an annoying vibration or pedal pulsation. When rotors were thicker, they could take the wear from the brake pads, be machined and still have enough metal left to dissipate the heat.
How is the accuracy of larger micrometers checked?
Regular calibration intervals help ensure micrometer accuracy. The standard used in calibrating measuring gages must possess an accuracy greater than a 4:1 ratio over the accuracy of the gage being calibrated. To ensure accuracy, micrometers must be calibrated at regular intervals.
How do you measure parallelism on rotors?
Inspect the rotor for parallelism. Using a brake rotor micrometer, measure rotor thickness, one inch from the outer edge, at six to eight clock position points. Compare your findings to the specification. Generally speaking, maximum allowable parallelism should be about 0.0005 inch.
Is 160mm rotor enough?
In general, a 180mm front and 160mm rear rotor will provide you with ample braking power for a 29er hardtail. But there are several other factors to consider as well.
