99 Malibu - how long should brakes last????

[acornhead]

I have had my Malibu for about 4.5 years, and am already about to need my 3rd new set of brakes!! I don't know a whole lot about cars, and I saw on here that there is a problem with the brakes, but - in general, how long should brakes last? I thought it was ridiculous that I needed new ones 2 years after I first got them done, but now it's been 1 year since I last got new rotors and pads and ALREADY that all-too-familiar grinding noise is coming back!!
On a normal car, how long would it normally take before the brakes needed replacing? And is there anything I can do to make mine last longer? I read something about using semi-metallic pads or something....are there any other secrets?

[johnschmitt]

I've had really good luck with bendix semi-metallic pads and wearever rotors. I usually get about about 18-20 thousand on a set. I deliver pizzas so that actually isn't too bad.

The last time I used ceramic the rotors were trash in 10,000 miles. The ceramic pads heated up and warped the rotors. Shook the front end like hell coming down from over 50 mph.

[Speedy_1234]

Well, it all depends on how you brake, ex. do you drive slow and brake at the last minute. or do you drive, slow but you press about half a block to brake. Do you drive fast and try to stop complete in a spot. do you drive fast and slam on the brakes often. Do you drive with the foot on the brake. Like I trying to say in all depends on how you drive, plus it depends if the calipers are working as the should be cause it the piston of the caliber does not return then the brake shoe on the back finish faster cause the piston is not returning. Now if the caliber piston does not fully depress the brake shoes you notice the front brake shoe finish faster then the back. Now base on what you said about the shook. it look like its the rotors. Are they new or did you get them cut. If you did maybe they didn't cut them right.

[moon03]

My wife is a two footed driver thats why she can't drive a stick. the best thing that ever happened was she broke her left ankle now brakes in her car last three times longer than before. I lost the front rotors on a new car in less than a year riveted pads. but now I check them once a year and change when less than half left as They seem to develope heat/stress cracks then.

[Johnny R]

I you've only owned the car for 4.5 years, I'll wager the previous owner also machined & replaced the front rotors several times. I purchased my '99 Malibu new, and visited the dealer 3 times with front rotor issues, all under reluctant warranty/special adjustment. At 70,000 km (43,000 miles) I got tired of this, went to a good brake shop and spent good money for good parts. The brakes were perfect for the next 75,000 kms (46,000 miles). It was money well spent.

[samturner]

My company car which I got new was a 99 Malibu. I put well over 140,000 on it all highway miles. I retired and they gave me the car which I gave to the wife. The brakes lasted less then 10,000 miles after replacing and another 20,000 she needs front brakes again. Driving habits has a lot to do with the longivity of the brakes...... I think.