Hot Rotors on Malibu?

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Flab - 21 Mar 2005 02:01 GMT

I have a 2001 and just passed 80000 miles. I had 4 tires replaced
yesterday, and ever since (mind you I'm sure this is a coincidence) the
car does not brake as good. I have to press much harder on the brakes,
brake sooner and all. Not a very good feeling.

I thought they might have smeared some crap on my rotors, like grease
or something so the pads don't grip as good. So I had the bright idea
to touch the rotors to feel the surface: I burned myself. Yep, with a
blister. Was friggin hot.

So I'd ask to anyone with experience with brakes, pads and rotors, is
that right? Are the rotors supposed to get that hot? It was just after
a 20 minutes drive, light traffic, city driving, a few stoplights but
nothing haard on the brakes.

Anyone with an idea?

Thanks!

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JP White - 21 Mar 2005 02:17 GMT

> So I'd ask to anyone with experience with brakes, pads and rotors, is
> that right? Are the rotors supposed to get that hot?

Depends on what type of driving you did. When younger I used to drive
like a maniac (many say I still do). After driving very hard, I'd notice
at the end of my journey the rotors glowed red hot (especially
noticeable at night).

If the rotors are very hot after careful driving, you may have something
binding, especially if one rotor is much hotter than the rest.

JP

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JP White
mailto:jpwhite3@bellsouth.net

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Flab - 21 Mar 2005 02:34 GMT

I see what you mean. But now I have a wife, a house and a Chevy Malibu,
all of which reminds me not to (or punish me for) driving like a
maniac. So no, my type of driving can be qualified of Moderate to
Sedate.

In the exemple when I burned my finger, I did have a quiet uneventful
ride. Both rotors were equally hot though.

I guess the heat is normal then, I had never thought of touching my
rotors before, so, well, I might get my brakes checked.

Thanks!

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JP White - 21 Mar 2005 04:12 GMT

> I had never thought of touching my
> rotors before, >

I once stick my finger into a (live) light socket in order to remove
some cobwebs. That's not an operation I'll repeat ever again as long as
I live either. Glad that I never touched a hot rotor - ouch!. Many of us
live long lives despite ourselves.

JP

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JP White
mailto:jpwhite3@bellsouth.net

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Flab - 21 Mar 2005 07:29 GMT

Yup, it turns out that rotors get hot. I took my wife's car for a 10
min spin, and sure enough, the rotors turned to be too hot to touch (I
was careful not to burn myself this time though :)

Also, the most likely explanation is that my brakes suck under heavy
rain (and it rained solid since Saturday, hadn't rained like this all
winter) Kind of a "signature trait" now that I remember it. Along with
warped rotors and coolant leaks too...

Well, I'm off to trying that light socket thing with my finger, sounds
like fun!

Thanks for the words of wisdom!

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Sean Scott - 21 Mar 2005 02:45 GMT

>I have a 2001 and just passed 80000 miles. I had 4 tires replaced
> yesterday, and ever since (mind you I'm sure this is a coincidence) the
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks!
>]

You got to remember you are trying to use the brakes to stop 3k lbs of
moving metal, they can and are supposed to get hot enough to burn you yes, I
don't know why they wouldn't work as well after the tires were replaced
though.

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newsgroup_acct - 09 Sep 2005 21:33 GMT

This is a notoriously widespread problem on GM's. I just replaced my fronts
with cross-drilled and vented rotors and ceramic pads. HUGE difference.
Quick, precise and NOISELESS braking. Well worth the cost.
Also, the rears were out of adjustment. Get your trusted mechanic to do this
properly.

Cheers All

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