Advice for 03 rotor replacement?

Hi, I've been reading all the posts about the epidemic brake problems with the Malibu :(. I've been informed by two mechanics (one a family member) that my pads are thick, but my rotors are warped and likely too thin to turn. I've resigned myself to the fact that I must replace them, but I want to avoid the rigmarole of doing it every 12k or less. I've seen slotted and cross drilled rotors recommended, but can anyone give me an actual brand name? Or should I be at the mercy of my local Midas guy(who is kind of snotty) for a recommendation? Is there any way to get this done for less than $200 bucks? I'm in college and funds are limited. Also, when the time comes, should I just go to NAPA and ask for ceramic pads? or is there a name for them too? Is there any merit to going to a brand name shop over a mom and pop shop to get the work done? I'm afraid of dealerships. They lie. Oh how they lie. I didn't know my Malibu had a former life as a rental car, and you bet the weren't going to tell me before I bought it. I'm a college girl with no idea. Please help. BTW, it has 47k, and I bought it at 34k. This is my first real problem with it.

The Malibu does seem to have a weak brake system in general. i have a 2001 LS with 38k and recently replaced my pads and the front left rotor. The only reason I replaced it was I thought it was contributing to a vibration problem I was having. Anyway, I think for the average driver that normal rotors at an auto parts store are fine and last quite a while. Slotted rotors help cool the rotor quicker but believe is to much for a Malibu. You did not mention how it was determined the rotors were found warped. As for pads, buy what you can afford in my opinio. Yes the lifetime last longer such as metallic and ceramic, but also contributes to wear on the rotors. Less work to replace pads then rotors. Rotors do sometimes warp on thier own. I bought a rotor for I believe if remember right no more than $40 and pads for both sides for I think the same. They were semi-metallic lifetime warranty. Ask about whether your pads are wearing at the same rate on both inside and outside. My inner pads were wafer thin and the outer practically new. This problem I was told is from the caliper pins sticking or a bad caliper itself. :headshake

Thanks, but that doesn't answer all of my questions, specifically:

1. Can anyone give me a Brand name of rotors and ceramic pads that are good? i.e. worth what you pay for them.

2. Should I go to a place like Midas or a dealership or a no-name shop?

It seems that you (previous post) haven't read much from the log of posts. Every post that involves rotors seems to indicate that the stock rotors wear out like toilet paper.
I DON"T know for a fact that I need my rotors replaced for sure, but I have had two mechanics look at my brakes (which are shimmying badly at 65 mph and over) and they've told me that my pads are plenty thick. I've no other conclusion to come to than that my roters are warped. Everyone who rides in my car seems to agree and the two mechanics who looked at them said I should replace them.
Whether they are or not, I'd like to be able to go into the shop informed and make a good decision about what kind of parts to put on my car. Hence this post. I don't want to be taken for a ride :)

Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've got Napa's standard rotors (no slots or cross drilling) and their Ceramix pads. Total cost= $176 and about an hour of my time. Been running on the same pads and rotors for the last 25K miles with no problems and I drive ALOT of rush hour/ stop and go traffic. I just had my tires off this past weekend because of a broken brake line and the pads are just fine, no shimmies what so ever, even under hard braking. I buy all my parts at Napa - sure, you can save a few bucks by going to Pep Boys or AutoZone but alot of their parts suck (can you say 3 alternators in 3 years?). Napa at least has a lifetime warranty on many of their parts, INCLUDING their rotors and ceramix pads.

Does the car shimmy or vibrate while braking?

As far as what shop to go to, I can't remember the last time I went to one but if I did, I would stick to a nationally known shop like Midas...at least you will have some guarantees if something still isn't right after a repair.

BTW - no dealer is required to disclose if it's a rental car or not and most will not. Best to look under the hood near the emissions routing sticker - usually the rental car copanies will put their sticker there.

On my Malibu, in stop and go traffic, my pads heat up and it makes a grinding sound. I think I am going to order some cross drilled slotted rotors off ebay. They cost the same price as regular rotors in Autozone but you have to pay for shipping and handling so they cost about 20 bucks more. To me it is worth an extra 20 dollars then replace them with OEM and go through this all over again.

Thanks, but that doesn't answer all of my questions, specifically:

1. Can anyone give me a Brand name of rotors and ceramic pads that are good? i.e. worth what you pay for them.

2. Should I go to a place like Midas or a dealership or a no-name shop?

It seems that you (previous post) haven't read much from the log of posts. Every post that involves rotors seems to indicate that the stock rotors wear out like toilet paper.
I DON"T know for a fact that I need my rotors replaced for sure, but I have had two mechanics look at my brakes (which are shimmying badly at 65 mph and over) and they've told me that my pads are plenty thick. I've no other conclusion to come to than that my roters are warped. Everyone who rides in my car seems to agree and the two mechanics who looked at them said I should replace them.
Whether they are or not, I'd like to be able to go into the shop informed and make a good decision about what kind of parts to put on my car. Hence this post. I don't want to be taken for a ride :)

Again, any advice would be greatly appreciated.


When does your car shimmey? If it happens while driving (brakes not applied) then it is not the rotors.
Bendix and Raybestos are good aftermarket brakes..they also have rotors and other hard parts.
When reinstalling your tire and wheel assembly (this goes for rotations also) make sure you TORQUE the lug nuts..DO NOT USE AN IMPACT GUN!!! (unless you have a torque stick)