How long did your brakes last (l-series)

[Aironwater]

I am curious to know how long the brake pads lasted on other people's l-series. Yesterday I started hearing a little squeak and I suspect from past experience that my pads might be getting a little thin, I'm at 19,000 miles.

Anyone that has replaced there pads, what did you use, Saturn vs. aftermarket, and did you like them?

Thanks

[ricksLS1]

I have 33,000 miles on mine. Used to hear a very low squeak when I braked at slow coasting speeds but went away. I had the car inspected in July and the brakes are good. I do a lot of highway driving and long vacation trips. I coast to light and don't drive more than 5 - 10 miles over the limit. So I usually go at least 45,000 to 50,000 on brakes

[skijay]

Aironwater and ricksLS1:

do you have auto or 5 speed?

I have the 5 speed and judging by the excessive amounts of front brake dust, I think these will be repalced at about 50k. My 96 SL2 5 speed, made it to 100k on the pads/rotors. The drums were original. I am all highway driving very little stop and go. The dust scares me!!!

I drove the 96SL2 the same route as the L100.

[ricksLS1]

I have an auto. The wheels get dirtty from the dust.

[L300Boy]

The L series eats break pads and rotors for dinner ....

A tech I know said he usually replaces them at 30k :o:

[ricksLS1]

I have an auto. The wheels get dirtty from the dust.

[ricksLS1]

Originally posted by L300Boy
The L series eats break pads and rotors for dinner ....

A tech I know said he usually replaces them at 30k :o:

It may also be how people drive. I coast up to lights and stop signs. When I drive I have people up my ass. I watch many people fly up to lights and stop signs and then hit the brakes hard. I have 33,000 miles and the car stops on a dime. Was inspected in July. I don't do a lot of stop and go traveling either

[Qlara]

That's right, it mostly depends on how people drive unless you've a lock caliper.....

All my Saturns (S-series) got the brake job done about 45-60k range and majority is mixed-driving.

My Manual SL has longer brake life (near 60k for the pads). Maybe it's lighter, and easier (no drag forward motion like in Automatic tranny) to stop.

I need new rotors though.....not due to warpping, but heavy rust. :rolleyes:

Except the L brakes may last 40k max, it's heavier and with automatics. But the brake dust problem is driving me nuts sometimes. Thank god I bought a rim-brush for easy washing.

[RedRockerL300]

My L has 43000 miles on it and still the original break pads and shoes. It's an auto. The brake dust is normal due to brand of brake pads and the side of the rotor. The bigger the rotor, the bigger the pads, the more dust. My mother-in-law's L w/auto has more brake dust than mine because she hits the brakes later than I do. Sometimes I feel like my face is going to get planted on the dash :dizzy: driving with her.

When I had my truck with manual, the dust wasn't that bad because I would lightly use the brake, downshift, little brake, downshift, until I came to a complete stop.

A different type of brake pad may cut down on the amount of dust, but never totally eliminate it.

[mr weather]

My dad picked up a set of "brake dust guards" shortly after taking delivery of his '98 Regal and they do a great job reducing the amount of dust on the chrome-aluminum rims. I don't think the guards have shortened the overall life of the pads (4-wheel disc) since they have small slits cut into them for cooling and he just did his first brake job at 50k miles.

Does Saturn sell such an accessory?

[spork]

Setting at 35,900 miles. Brakes are fine, but then again, I coast to stop as much as possible, and drive a manual.

Took in to dealer today to schedule appt to get a few things fixed/checked before warranty expiriation. I was going to have them do it today, but they said as long as it was scheduled before it ran out, later is fine. It is scheduled for Tuesday.


Plastic panel with fuse door on passenger side is loose
AC compressor/clutch buzzes
Lights dim for a sec when AC kicks in at night
Low fluid level in power steering resevoir at last oil change
Driver's seat squeeks


Also picked up a couple more oil filters ($6/each), and cabin filter ($12).

After this, the only time I expect to see the dealer is when I buy filters.

[Galileo]

Brake dust seems to be a problem on several European design vehicles. Along with the L-Series, I've noticed a lot of Audi, BMW, and VW cars with heavy brake dust build-up on the front wheels.

[hugh]

My LS2 has 45K miles and while it was in for oil change a few days ago,had the brake condition checked. Front pads less than half worn and should be good for another 30 t0 40K.
I do a lot of highway miles and I use brakes in a calm manner. Certainly not a member of the " stomp on the gas and then slam on the brakes" school of driving,but I don't baby 'em either.;)