brake rotor search
 

For my rod i need new front brake rotors. I am told that i have an malibu frontclip. But the age of the front is not sure. It could be 1977 to 1981.

does anyone know how i can find out what rotors i need?

Thanks
Arnold

Arnold,

I'm not sure this would work since I've never had to do it but there should be a number stamped or printed on your bearings. If this number hasn't been wiped out by wear, you might be able to trace that number backwards at a "cooperative" auto parts store to find the makes/years that rotor& bearing combo was used on.

I looked on the bearings but the number isn't readable.
I measured the bearings and according to that i still can't find the right disks.

If I look at rock auto for the bearings on a camaro and a malibu, they are the same. If I look at the same cars for the disks than they are different. So that won't help me.

Arnold

Look at the caliper. After about 78 GM switched to the Metric front end on their B bodies.

Here is a picture of the metric caliper. If yours doesn't look like this then you have the older front end. If you do have a metric, just get rotors for the 81 and they should fit.

Here is a pic of the older style caliper.

There are only about 3 basic Chevelle style rotors. The 72 and earlier, the 73/78 and the 79 and up rear wheel drive.
That pretty well limits the choices when you carry one into the parts house and set it on the counter and say "I need two like this".

There are some distinct differences in the rotors.
The 72 style has a very short hub sticking out as compared to the later units.

Do the spindles have removable steering arms or are the steering arms cast into the spindles? 72 and earlier had bolt on arms, 73 and later had the arms cast into the spindles.
http://www.partsamerica.com/ProductL...r=Disc%2fRotor
you can compare the photo to your rotor. If that doesn't match put in 1975 chevelle Or Malabu

By comparing the photos you should have a better idea of what you have. Then you can bop on down to the parts house. Armed with a print out of the page to help get a better price.
the main link is www.partsamerica.com

I think they also went to a larger outer wheel bearing in '78 or '79.

I indeed have a larger outer bearing.
Tomorrow i will look to see if i have metric calipers. I do think so because the bleeders are metric.

The 78 and earlier hubs use the BCA A2 outer bearing sets the 79 and later use the BCA A3 outer bearing sets. It looks like they all use the A6 inner bearing sets. Set meaning race and cone packaged together.

Today i looked to see if i could find some more information.
these are the pictures i took.

I indeed have the bca a3 bearings.
It looks like i have the metric calipers also, i am getting close.

http://home.planet.nl/~sand1534/webfoto/tn_1001.JPG
http://home.planet.nl/~sand1534/webfoto/tn_1002.JPG
http://home.planet.nl/~sand1534/webfoto/tn_1003.JPG
http://home.planet.nl/~sand1534/webfoto/tn_1004.JPG
http://home.planet.nl/~sand1534/webfoto/tn_1005.JPG

I believe you have it nailed. They should be 79 and up. Take one of the rotors in for show and tell at the parts counter and you should be in business. I even spotted some hot lick drilled and slotted ones if that hits your fancy.

www.partsamerica.com shows a different rotor for '82-'88 G-bodies versus '79-'81. They do not say what the difference is.

Anybody know if the markings on the wheel mounting flange of his rotor mean anything?

That makes it Time for show and tell at his favorite parts emporium then.

Now that it looks like it is down to either/or.