Straighten Disc Brake Rotor
Brakes
Time: 15 minsDifficulty: 2/5
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Step-by-Step Summary
- Diagnose: Spin the wheel and look through the caliper. Listen for the "ching-ching" rubbing sound.
- Locate Warp: slowly spin and find exactly where the rotor touches the pad. Note which side (Left or Right).
- Bend Back: Rotate the warped section OUT of the caliper. Use the truing fork to gently bend the rotor in the opposite direction of the rub.
- Small Flexes: Rotors are springy. You have to flex it slightly past straight for it to "take" the set.
- Re-check: Spin again.
- Clean: You likely touched the rotor surface. Wipe it down with Isopropyl Alcohol to prevent contaminating pads.
[!TIP] Use a piece of white paper on the floor below the caliper. It reflects light up, making the gap between pad and rotor much easier to see.
What You'll Need
Parts
- None
Tools
- Rotor Truing Fork (or an adjustable wrench cleaned of grease)Park Tool
- White paper (optional background)
Consumables
- Isopropyl Alcohol (to clean rotor after touching it)Generic