[michael j]

My son and I both own GXP'S 06/08. What we have come up against is the brake issue,rotors and pads wearing down quickly. Anyone owning one have the same problems? Any bullitens from GM? I read on another site "Edmonds" alot of complaints,one persons fix was aftermarket rotors and pads from Cal. Can aftermarket be used without any ill effects on the long haul? Second issue is the tires. Front 255-45-18 and rears 225-50-18,why I guess the computer told them so. Anyone try just using one size all the way around without abusing traction control and ABS. This is alot of asking hope some answers come out of it. These aint like our 71GP and 74 SD. Thanks for any help. Mike

[ssj71]

Hey Mike,

The factory PBR pads used on the 05-08 GP GXPs are indeed very soft and will wear out extremely quickly. My GXP was no exception, and I did remove them early due to excessive brake dust on those Alcoa chrome wheels. As easily as the wheels got dusted up, it was clear to me that the pads were way too soft, so I opted for a set of GM ceramics up front. It's been an excellent decision. No brake dust, and the pads are surviving quite well. And there's been no decrease in braking performance.

Affordable GM ceramics are available at:
http://www.monsterpartsonline.com (a little cheaper)
OR
www.gmpartsdirect.com (a little more expensive)
Here are the numbers you'll need:
Front set = 19108021
Rear set = 19108022

Harvey

[michael j]

PM SENT. THANKS

[pontiacs4ever1971]

Hey Michael, I own a 07' and with 27,000 miles all interstate driving the back inside tires wore down to the cords and it happened very quick. Not real happy with it.

[ssj71]

The GXP's tire treadwear rating is 140. The OEM Bridgestones are very soft for grip, and they do not last long. This car is no different than any other performance car that comes with soft, sticky tires. I have 32,000 miles and I'm due for a set of tires as well, and I'm currently looking at a set of Michelin Pilots or comparable with treadwear ratings around 400 so I can get more life out of a set of tires.

If and when you're replacing tires, you definitely want to have a 4-wheel alignment done as well. I've read that the GXP's do go out of alignment and eat tires (as most cars would)...

[michael j]

YEP, SSJ71 AND PONTIACS4EVER1971 SEEMS LIKE BEEN THERE DONE IS GOING TO BE THE SAYING NOW. MY SON DRIVES HIS 08 MORE THAN I DRIVE MINE. SO FAR BACK INSIDE TIRES WORN DOWN, HAD ALINEMENT DONE. REALLY OUT OF ADJUSTMENT FOR A CAR WITH LESS THAN 10,000 ON IT. BRAKES, THATS ANOTHER STORY. I WONDER IF THE COMPANY R 1 CONCEPT ROTOR AND MATCHING PADS ARE WORTH THE TIME AND EFFORT. HARVEY THANKS AGAIN FOR YOUR INPUT ON THE CERMICS. OVER ALL I LIKE THE CARS,HOPE NOTHING ELSE COMES UP. AGAIN THANKS FOR YOUR REPLYS AND MERRY CHRISTMAS. MIKE

[miltmilton]

Had the same issue with wife's '06 GXP. Found out too late and had to replace rotors. Had a hard time finding after market ones so went with GM. Took dealer a while to find some and they weren't cheap. Add the cost of express shipping and they really weren't cheap. Like others, went with the higher performance pads and have had no problems. Sure is fun to air it out when traveling the back roads of West Texas!

[michael j]

HEY MILTMILTON I THINK THAT R1 CONCEPTS IN CALIFORNIA MIGHT HAVE ROTORS THAT WILL WORK ON THE GXP'S. THEY ARE ADVERTISED ON E-BAY ALOT. TALK ABOUT AIRING IT OUT CAN'T STOP FROM DOING IT I LIVE A MILE FROM INTERSTATE 70 LOVE THAT ON RAMP. OH, MY GAS MILEAGE IS FOR CRAP TOO. WHAT BRAND OF PADS DID YOU USE? ARE THEY CERAMIC OR SEMI METALLIC.