Remove rotors
Bring to auto parts store and have them machined
Re-install rotors and new pads

What is not to understand?

Buy new rotors if they dont measure thick enough to be machined.
So in that case you skip the trip to the auto parts store and just install the new rotors.

 

I have the tool from Harbor Freight but it didn't come in in time when I did my brakes. So I had to do the rears with out it. NEVER again will I not have the tool for the rears. Holy crap.

It's hard b/c you have to push in and turn at the same time. Sounds simple in theory but those damn pistons didn't want to budge and there's not much there to grip to.

Use the tool or be sorry.

 

Yes, it is untrue. There are lathes that will turn rotors on the car. The only adavantage is that they're quicker as you don't have to remove the rotor from the car - but that's it. Actually, just from what I've read on internet (check out http://www.accuturn.com/brake-lathes.html), the on-car lathes cannot correct for lateral runout where the bench lathe can. Think about it - if you install new rotors are they turned on your car?

 

Here's a good write up to help you.

http://www.americanmuscle.com/2005-b...d-install.html



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What I couldn't understand is how you could do your own brakes without your own lathe IF it was necessary to have it performed ON the vehicle. I was under this impression-it says so in the haynes manual AND on the brake packaging.

Now that I know the rotors can be machined off of the car I understand perfectly-thanks!

 

Turning the rotors on the car makes NO sense. I've never heard of anyone doing that either. Maybe it's need for special race applications on special cars, but a street car? HAH!

 

^^^^This is what brenspeed told me to do. I don't know if "turning" is something different but they said I needed to get them machined or finished or W/E

 

Turning rotors on car makes perfect sense if you have ever tried to remove them on a 97 Honda Accord .... what a pain. You have to remove a wheel spindle nut that's torqued to 180 lb-ft. Disassemble a ball joint, separate the hub from the knuckle. I finally gave up after struggling with it for more than 5 hours. Finally paid to have someone replace the rotors.

 

I've never used the rear caliper tool. I've always been able to turn the pistons pretty easily with a pair of needle nose pliers, but then again, that's the way I was taught, and that makes all the difference in the world.