I was driving west on I-40 and as I got to the top of a hill I noticed traffic had stopped. I hit the brakes and it seemed only the front brakes were working or maybe I needed fluid. I was lucky, instead of crashing into the rear of the last vehicle, I tried to veer to the left without going off the shoulder but I skidded off the left shoulder into a ravine. I was lucky the ravine was not deep and I could make it out of the ravine by driving to the east bound side and returning to I-40 east. There I was able to take the next exit and return to I-40 west. Like I said I was lucky and there was no damage to my car and no report was filed. I found out about the problem when I purchased brake shoes that were said to last thru the life of my car and they lasted only about a month with black soot covering the front rims. I returned to the shop where the brakes were installed and was informed that the rear pads showed no deterioration which implied a lack of use. I was instructed to periodically use the emergency brakes to reset the rear pads for contact. I've purchased 3 vehicles before this one and I was never informed that use of the emergency brake was imperative to safe operation and I never had a problem before this. I had only used the emergency brake when parking on a steep grade and in conjunction with the PARK option on the gear selection. This is a major flaw in the manufacturing of this vehicle and should be addressed. This is my second Pontiac. My first was a '66 Tempest and I really loved that car. I had no problems other than those caused by my lack of maintenance.

I was having brake problems with my 2004 grand am. After I changed the brakes, they would wear out on the outside of the passenger side. I changed the caliper and the pads. Still didn't fix it. I changed the brake hose and bled the brakes. Still had wear on the brakes. Each time I did something new, I would have to change the pads again.

I brought my car into a few mechanics and they couldn't figure it out. Finally at Brakeway in Louisville, KY, they found out that I installed my brake pads backwards and the hardware (clips) weren't fitting properly. Each time I changed my brake pads, I would match them up with how they were previously. This way, they were always put on wrong!

So, if you have problems with the brakes wearing faster than normal, they may need to be properly installed. I hope this helps you!

I have a 2004 Pontiac Grand am with the 2.2L. A dealership had replace the pads and turned the rotors about 2 years ago. Since that time I have had an annoying squeaking noise, when I am on the brake and when I am also off the brake. I just put on ceramic pads and new rotors months ago, and still have the same noise and problem. I took everything apart today and cleaned, lubed, and reinstalled. Still that annoying ass squeak. Only thing i have not replaced is the calipers. This car has been a total pain in the ass, I have had so many other problems. I had dumped so much money into it, I am just going to sell it. I hate Pontiac and will never buy one again. When it comes to the front end squeak due to the brakes, just get ready to put new rotors, pads, and calipers. Your looking at like 150 bucks of parts at the auto store or like 600 -700 at a dealership. Crap car.

I have an '04 Pontiac grand am Se, I got the car about 4 years ago, everything was perfect no problems, then like 2 years after having the car needed brakes and rotors. thought ok, no bog deal this is normal... after I replaced the brakes/rotors first time, about 4 months later needed new pads again!!!! I was a little annoyed, but though well I live in NY and driving out here is crazy (a lot of brake use) so whatever I replaced them again. Then about 3 months later I started hearing this strange noise when I pushed on the brake pedal, its kind of sounded like an old squeeky door, found it was the calipers!! So I replaced them both, now 3 months later again I am hearing the noise, had someone look at it they said brakes and rotors are fine... but noise is still there. I think its the calipers again!!!

What is going on with this car! I see many of you also have similar complaints, I dont even know what to do!! The only good thing about this, is I work at a dealership (in service) so I dont have to pay a lot of money for them to check it out, only parts if needed!! =)

I've had the same damn problem!! I've got a 04 Pont Grand Am and I'm on the 3rd time fixing the problem. I bought the car with 18,000 miles on it, it now has 36,000 and it's been parked for 4 months. The brakes are so bad, Sears replaced everything last year and within 3000 miles it all had to be redone! Brakes, cal, hoses, rotors were totally gone (warped, cracked, turned a cooper color!). The dealers keep telling me nothing is wrong that I just put "cheap brakes on" but they were original when it 1st happened! Now they want $1300 for the "good Pont brakes" I don't know what to do. My lawyer says I can't file a lemon law but if I can get enough people we may have a LAWSUIT!! (ritabug5@yahoo.com ) You can contact me if you like.