Replace Front Rotors on a ‘66

[Joe L.]

I have always wondered if one of the on-the-car types would work for the rears.
I have yet to meet anyone who has actually tried it and can confirm. I don’t know if they would keep the runout low, or just cut the rotors to the wrong angle.

Patrick------

I don't know if I'm correct but I believe the on-car brake lathes require that the spindle nut be tightened just enough to remove the end play prior to machining. If so, the rears would require the same thing and that would be impractical.

[Terry M.]

I have always wondered if one of the on-the-car types would work for the rears.
I have yet to meet anyone who has actually tried it and can confirm. I don’t know if they would keep the runout low, or just cut the rotors to the wrong angle.

Back when I taught auto shop, the on-the-car tool we had used the car's powertrain to drive the rotor being cut. Given the tenor of the school I was affiliated with I would not be surprised that it was an economy model and that more expensive models with other options were/are available.

But, if the powertrain is used to drive the rotor on the rear of Corvettes with Independent Rear Suspension one would have to support the suspension to avoid universal joint bind. While not impossible to do, that will be cumbersome and require a lot of equipment in close proximity to rotating suspension members.

Being extremely careful is required.

[Gary R.]

Back when I taught auto shop, the on-the-car tool we had used the car's powertrain to drive the rotor being cut. Given the tenor of the school I was affiliated with I would not be surprised that it was an economy model and that more expensive models with other options were/are available.

But, if the powertrain is used to drive the rotor on the rear of Corvettes with Independent Rear Suspension one would have to support the suspension to avoid universal joint bind. While not impossible to do, that will be cumbersome and require a lot of equipment in close proximity to rotating suspension members.

Being extremely careful is required.

Correct, if the IRS hangs down the joints will bind and possibly break parts. A technician has to know about corvette IRS if this is an option to be used. I have seen posi cases broken as a result.

With that said, that was never an option I used or recommended but it can work with the proper setup. Plus, they are not as common in shops, at least in places I know of.