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Service: Brakes

Service Tip: Check Brake Pads
To avoid costly rotor replacement, keep an eye on those brake pads before the metal shoes or rivets start grinding away at the rotors!

Poor Brake Pad Life
A very common problem with first-generation W-body cars is that brake pads last only around 15,000-20,000 miles. This may be directly related to Warped Rotors (below).

Subject	Poor Brake Pad Life
Author	Steve Ochs
Applies to:	All 1988-1993
The rear brakes were redesigned in 1994 and work a lot better than the 1988-1993 brakes. The rear brakes adjust from medium to heavy brake application as opposed to parking brake application in the old ones. I just replaced the rear brakes for the first time at 45,000 miles on my 1994. The front brakes are still good. I know of many people with 1993 and older who get only 20,000 miles on brakes. The only fix that I know of on the older ones is to try other than factory slider kits for the rear calipers, try using anti-sieze instead of grease on them, and purchase aftermarket rotors (they hold up much better). The only problem they haven't eliminated is the brake pedal pulsation after about 15,000 miles. It appears to be junk factory rotors.

Warped Rotors
Symptoms of warped rotors is a vibration of the car when the brakes are applied.
I believe the cause is the rear brakes. The sliders corrode and seize up, causing the front brakes to do all the work. They get very hot, and warp. Replacing the rear sliders may fix the problem. Some people have reported good luck using a Dremel tool to clean corrosion off of the rear sliders and using a hone to clean the corrosion out of the calipers. Then use a synthetic caliper grease, silicone grease, or anti-seize compound on the sliders and calipers. Slotted or cross-drilled rotors, as well as aftermarket wheels with more open space, may keep the front brake rotors cooler, thus preventing rotor warpage.

Subject Poor braking Performance

Author William Joseph Eaton

Applies to: All

One possible solution to the poor braking performance is to use high quality drilled rotors. My 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL will need new rotors in the future. I called Brake Warehouse in CA, and priced these rotors. They are made by U.S. Steel/Bendix. They will help with cooling, the pads will bite better, subsequently giving longer life.

Drilled Front: $93.00 ea
Undrilled Front: $52.00 ea
Drilled Rear: $104.00 ea
Undrilled Rear: $64.00 ea

I have also had to replace the alternator....add one to the list. I used a Bendix alternator....hmmm Bendix seems to sell a buncha parts for the w-body.

Subject	Poor braking Performance
Author	William Joseph Eaton
Applies to:	All
One possible solution to the poor braking performance is to use high quality drilled rotors. My 1990 Cutlass Supreme SL will need new rotors in the future. I called Brake Warehouse in CA, and priced these rotors. They are made by U.S. Steel/Bendix. They will help with cooling, the pads will bite better, subsequently giving longer life. Drilled Front: $93.00 ea Undrilled Front: $52.00 ea Drilled Rear: $104.00 ea Undrilled Rear: $64.00 ea I have also had to replace the alternator....add one to the list. I used a Bendix alternator....hmmm Bendix seems to sell a buncha parts for the w-body.