fast wearing brakes

CHEVROLET MALIBU
Avatar
BIGDADDYT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
My girlfriend owns a 2005 chevy malibu. She is having to replace the brakes every 4-6 months at over 100 bucks a shot. The car only has 44000 miles on it. The dealer says that they all do this. This dosnt seem right to me. She dosnt drive aggressively or use her breaks excessively. And only puts about average miles on it. Anyone else have this problem? While I dont know the brand of brakes used, I do know she always asks for quality stuff.
Sep 1, 2007 at 7:33 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 9,123 POSTS
22,000 miles a year?

Only $100 for brakes?

Potentially the 6th set of brakes?

Hmm.


A couple thoughts. There are things that don't make sense. I need a few answers.

IS this a four wheel disc brake set up or are the rear brakes drums?

What brand of pads?

Rotors are obviously not being attended to.


This is clearly abnormal.


I suggest you do the brakes this time....with our help of course.
Sep 9, 2007 at 9:12 PM
Avatar
BIGDADDYT
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
to my understanding this is for the fronts only, thus the cost. And like I said, it dosnt add up to me either. She is about 50 miles from me, so scheduling any thing other than time together and with the kids can be hectic. The brand name I dont know for sure. I will try to find out and get back to you. Someone else suggested to me that this car should be using ceramic pads, whether it is or not I dont know, like I said I will try to find out. She is only about 3 weeks from planning to have them done again, so I will just have to try to schedule it where either I can do them or be there when they are done. Another thought, could a proportioning valve problem cause this? Thus the fronts being eat up like they are because of the backs not working correctly? By the way, I think it is a 4 wheel disc setup. Thanks for any help or info.
Sep 10, 2007 at 2:41 PM
Avatar
SERVICE WRITER
  • CAR REPAIR CONTRIBUTOR
  • 9,123 POSTS
It sounds like the rears may not be working adequetly and distributing more stopping weight to the front. IF they are worn uneven and given the history, I might consider pads, rotors and calipers. I almost never see a proportioning valve problem, and don't think this is an issue here.
Sep 10, 2007 at 3:20 PM
Repair Safety Notice: This information is for general instructional purposes only. Vehicle repair can be dangerous. Verify all information, follow manufacturer service procedures, use proper tools and safety equipment, and consult a qualified repair shop when needed.