I have a 96 Camaro that I just completed a brake rotor and pad swap. I used Summit crossed drilled rotors and Hawk brake pads. I want to make sure the the pads are not rubbing on the rotors. I figured I could use a infrared thermometer and check the temps after a shortd drive.

What should the temp. be about before (cold) and after a short drive around the block (about half a mile)?

Is there a better way to check to ensure they are operating correctly?

 

not sure on what temp they should be, but they all should be pretty equal in temp. i believe on my mustang they were about 110 after a drive, and they were all within about 5 degrees.
thanks
matt

 

Having them all the same is what is important. I know guys that on rest stops on the highway will feel all the wheels near the hub to see if they are all the same. How actually hot they get depends on driving you have been doing and they can get really hot if you are really using them.

 

Thanks I will have to double check them after lunch this afternoon.

 

I've never checked my brake temps or anything similar... not really needed.

Your pads are almost always in very close contact with the rotors, if they are dragging typically your car can/will pull to one side, and this should show even more when breaking as it's the sign of a stuck or semi-stuck brake caliper.

If you feel it's important to check, then go for a drive, come back and use your hand to feel the hub on the wheel. They should all feel about the same temperature; if one is less or more then you have an issue with that caliper.

As for what temperature the rotors are going to be, they CAN be upwards of 600°F for agressive street driving, and >1000°F for road/circle-track racing.