Do the 96 style Bonnevilles have any known chronic brake problems, particularly with regards to very short front brake pad life? I replaced the pads on my wife'* car about 5 or 6 months ago and they are already worn out. Granted we drive this thing in a lot of stop and go freeway traffic, but I just want to make sure there isn't a common underlying problem that can cause this to happen before I throw another set of pads at the problem. Thanks!

I changed my previous owner cheapo pads out to Bendix Ceramics. If a set of ceramics can last 100K miles in my truck they can surely last a long time on the car. And much less brake dust.

The rotors are a bit warped, not too badly though. This set was just the Duralast (yeah right) semi-metallics from Autozone. Over all they did a good job of braking, but they dusted like a son of a bitch and they appear to have the lifespan of a fruit fly.

See my post above

Have you had the rotors checked/turned? If they are rough or otherwised damaged, they'll eat pads like candy.

My 99 goes through pads quickly too. I use the Duralast pads from AutoZone and they have a lifetime warranty so it doesn't really bother me. I'd say about 18-25K miles I'm doing pads on it. The brake dust is bad, however.

Rotors. Another story. I have been through all kinds of rotors and have finally found a great set. The Napa premium rotor. I have 22K miles on the set and not even the slightest vibration. I'm willing to bet I can get another set of pads out of these rotors.

At one point I was going through rotors when I still had 60% of pad life left.

I wouldn't waste the money to get rotors turned. The vibration will still come back soon. It'* been my experience to just buck up and buy new rotors than monkying around with turning them.

I am considering ceramics this time around, but my only concern is stopping power. I put ceramics on my Regal when I redid those pads and while they are almost dust free, they don't feel as grabby in emergency stop situations. The Bonneville doesn't have as good a braking system as the Regal and I don't want to further compromise that with less effective pads, even if it does mean longer life and less dust.

This could be an issue. These rotors are original (185k miles) and probably should be replaced. There are some minor scores on them, but not too out of the ordinary. I plan to replace them with this round of repairs.

Will they replace pads under warranty if they are just worn out? I would think that would only cover pad failure or defects rather than wear and tear. If they do, then I don't fel too bad about eating up pads. Maybe I'll just start replacing them during tire rotations .

My pickup is an 00 Silverado full size 4wd extended cab with an 8 foot bed. They don't get much heavier.

A couple times I have encountered an emergency stop situation and from experience I'll say those pads grab, hold and don't get spongy when hot. I've done a few stupid things where I was overloaded or trailer w/o electrics on it and the truck stops great.

So far my car does the exact same.

Bendix Ceramics...I like them.