Lesson #3: Proper Vehicle Set-up

Pro-Cut PFM 900, 9.0, 9.2, X9, A10, and X9D Rotor Matching lathes can be used on vehicles as small as Smart Cars up to and including medium duty trucks such as the Ford F750 with appropriate adapters and techniques. While the basic procedure for matching rotors is the same across all vehicle platforms, there are some vehicles that require special procedures, and all require the training and skill needed to operate the correct lifting device safely before attempting to remove wheels for this procedure.

General set up for most vehicles on twin post lifts:

• Vehicle in neutral
• Parking brake disengaged
• Traction control disengaged
• Center line of hub is within the range of the vertical shock of the trolley (about waist high)

Special Set up procedures for some vehicles:

• Hybrid cars with regenerative braking - see manufacturers procedures for on-car lathe use
• Locking rear axles - 3/4 ton GM pick-ups mostly - axle 1/2 shaft may need to be removed for some Pro-Cut models; indexing is usually not required as they are typically symmetrical.
• Posi-traction or AWD cars/trucks with tight viscous coupling - drive shaft may need to be disconnected at rear universal joint if resistance is too great. Be certain to index driveshaft with crayon provided in tool kit to reinstall in correct position.
• In some rare cases, such as the front of a Nissan Rogue, the angle of the CV shaft and joints when suspended is great enough to create a bind in the driveline making it difficult for the lathe to compensate properly. In this case you can carefully support the front control arms with a jack stand to relieve some stress on the axle shaft and CV joints.

For all vehicles:

• Profile the rotor: Profiling the rotor means measuring it in several places with a micrometer to determine the thinnest part and comparing that to specs in the Brake Spec Guide provided, OE approved source, or as stamped on the rotor itself. NEVER machine below manufacturer's specification.
• Use a mirror to inspect the back side of the rotor for irregular surface and for any parts of the vehicle that may interfere with the travel of the cutting head.
• Inspect and determine if large ridges are on the inside or outside that may need to be removed first before completing the final machining process.
• Remove excessive rust buildup from the rotor before beginning machining process.
• Inspecting the brake pads will also give you an idea whether the rotor may be worn in an irregular fashion and will give you a clue as to how much material you may need to remove to complete the job effectively.

For more specifics on vehicle set up or if you are uncertain for any reason of correct set up, please call the Pro-Cut Service Department at 800-543-6618, option #2, from 8am to 5pm EST, M-F, or call your local Rep.