Chevrolet: 2004 Malibu afermarket brake suggestions please (epsilon platform)

I replaced the pads and rotors on my 1998 Malibu this spring. The parts all
came from NAPA, and they were the highest quality parts they carried.
However, I do not know what brand name they were.

It has been 7 months and there is no shaking in the front end from warped
rotors. Good luck with your car.

Sharky

I have a 2004 malibu. I have put on about 20000km, and my brakes are still
like new.

They are Raybestos brand put on at a Midas shop.

I Would not mess around with rotors, might have clearance problems.

If you wanna mess with your ride and handleing, then chnge tire size.

Micheal

"Cary" <com> wrote in message
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Micheal Artindale wrote: 



Thanks for the suggestions of Napa and Midas.

 

Yeah, Ive heard that. But I'm simply going to bolt some 17" OEM Malibu
wheels on it, the very same that were optioned for the car. They come
up frequently on eBay.

Thanks again

C

"Cary" <com> wrote in message
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I have the aluminum rims, but they are 16". Make sure that the tires and
rims have the clearance and that the diametre is bigger or smaller than your
current rims, otherwise, you will screw up your speedometer.

It is a good car for me.

Micheal

I go to my local parts dealer and ask him for the softest brake pads
available for my 2000. Not sure of the brand, nor if they'd be available
where ever you are, but they list 4 or 5 different types. The pads are
cheap, last about 30K and I just hang a new set when I hear the first chirp
from the squealers. The car still has the original rotors, not warped and
still within spec. but they are getting rusted in the fins. The rotors are
dirt cheap for this car too, so I'm going to install new rotors with the
next set of pads. Car has about 160K on it.

If your car is "rides like a Cadillac" why would you want to mess around
changing rims, tires, etc?


"Cary" <com> wrote in message
news:net... 

4newsgroups wrote: 
available for my 2000.

The thought being the softer pads will reduce wear on the rotors?

Right now, I'm thinking a set of premium Raybestos rotors, available
from NAPA. I've heard more than a few good things about them. Not sure
about pads yet. I hear NAPA's Ceramix pad is pretty good.
 
around changing rims, tires, etc?

You've got a point there. I'm wrestling with the same question. My
desire to change to a larger wheel stems mostly from aesthetics.
Compared to a Malibu with 17" rims (LTZ or SS), the 15" rims look rather
puny on my car. On the other hand, as you say, handling is great as is.
Then I need to consider the price of the new rims, the higher price of
tires, reduced acceleration - there are certainly more cons than pros.
In the end, I'll probably stick with stock rims.

Cheers,

Cary

"Cary" <com> wrote in message
news:net... 

We have an '06 Malibu, and the brakes have just started squealing at 50,000
Km; original rotors and pads.

These cars have a unique "composite" rotor. My mechanic friend says these
rotors are composed of two metals; one for the part of the rotor where the
pads fit, and a softer metal for the remainder of the rotor.
He said that it is EXTREMELY important to attach the wheels carefully, by
tightening the lug nuts in sequence with a torque wrench, much in the same
manner of assembling an engine head to an engine. If the procedure is not
followed carefully, the rotors will warp as a result of incorrect
installation.

Hope this helps you save some $$$,
David
PS: We have been driving Malibu, Lumina, and Celebrity cars for years, and
have had excellent brake service; 100,000 km to 200,000 km between service
work.
DP