brake pads SATURN ASTRA 2008 Owners Manual

Page 213 of 304

Required Services” in the Limited
Warranty, Maintenance and
Owner Assistance Information
manual. Use new brake uid
from a sealed container only.
See “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants” in the Limited Warranty,
Maintenance and Owner Assistance
Information manual.
Always clean the brake uid
reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it.
This helps keep dirt from entering
the reservoir.
{CAUTION
With the wrong kind of uid in
the brake hydraulic system,
the brakes might not work well.
This could cause a crash.
Always use the proper brake
uid.Notice:
Using the wrong uid can
badly damage brake
hydraulic system parts.
For example, just a few drops
of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake
hydraulic system can
damage brake hydraulic
system parts so badly that
they will have to be replaced.
Do not let someone put in
the wrong kind of uid.
If you spill brake uid on your
vehicle’s painted surfaces, the
paint nish can be damaged.
Be careful not to spill brake
uid on your vehicle. If you
do, wash it off immediately.
SeeExterior Cleaning on
page 9-75.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has disc brakes.
Notice:Continuing to drive
with worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair.
Front disc brake pads have built-in
brake pad wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound
when the brake pads are worn
and new pads are needed.
The sound can come and go or be
heard all the time your vehicle is
moving, except when you are
pushing on the brake pedal rmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead
to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound,
have your vehicle serviced.
Vehicle Service and Care 9-23
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Page 214 of 304

Rear disc brake pads do not have
built-in brake pad wear indicators.
Periodic visual inspection of the rear
brake pads is required to determine
when to replace the pads. Visually
inspect the rear brake pads
whenever the rear wheels are
removed such as during tire rotation.
1. Set the parking brake and make
sure that the brakes have been
given enough time to cool.
2. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Visually inspect the rear brake
inner pads (C) at each rear
wheel through the inspection
window in the brake caliper (A).Brake pads should be replaced
when the inner pad (C) is
worn to 5/64 in (2 mm) of pad
thickness (B). New brake
pads, with no wear, are 25/64 of
an inch (10 mm) thick.
4. After brake pad inspection or
replacement, install the rear
wheels.Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are rst applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel bolts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel bolts in
the proper sequence to torque
specications inCapacities
and Specifications on page 10-2.
Brake linings should always
be replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer if the brake
pedal does not return to normal
height, or if there is a rapid increase
in pedal travel. This could be a sign
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop,
the disc brakes adjust for wear.
9-24 Vehicle Service and Care
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