brakes BUICK RANDEZVOUS 2007 Owner's Guide

Notice:
Using the wrong uid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a
few drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine oil, in the brake system can
damage brake 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. SeeWashing Your Vehicle
on page 455.
Brake Wear
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are needed. The
sound may 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.
Notice:Continuing to drive with worn-out
brake pads could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause
a brake squeal when the brakes are rst applied or
lightly applied. This does not mean something is
wrong with your brakes.
391

Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and evenly tighten
wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM torque
specications.
Brake linings should always be replaced as
complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer 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 of brake
trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you apply the brakes, with or without
the vehicle moving, your brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be of top quality and work
well together if the vehicle is to have really good
braking. Your vehicle was designed and tested
with top-quality GM brake parts. When you replace
parts of your braking system — for example,
when your brake linings wear down and you
need new ones put in — be sure you get new
approved GM replacement parts. If you do not,
your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are
wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your
front and rear brakes can change — for the worse.
The braking performance you have come to expect
can change in many other ways if someone puts in
the wrong replacement brake parts.
392

(B) Tire Width:The three-digit number indicates
the tire section width in millimeters from sidewall
to sidewall.
(C) Aspect Ratio:A two-digit number that
indicates the tire height-to-width measurements.
For example, if the tire size aspect ratio is 60, as
shown in item C of the illustration, it would mean
that the tire’s sidewall is 60 percent as high as it
is wide.
(D) Construction Code:A letter code is used to
indicate the type of ply construction in the tire. The
letter R means radial ply construction; the letter D
means diagonal or bias ply construction; and the
letter B means belted-bias ply construction.
(E) Rim Diameter:Diameter of the wheel in
inches.
(F) Service Description:These characters
represent the load range and speed rating of the
tire. The load index represents the load carry
capacity a tire is certied to carry. The load index
can range from 1 to 279. The speed rating is
the maximum speed a tire is certied to carry a
load. Speed ratings range from A to Z.Tire Terminology and Denitions
Air Pressure:The amount of air inside the tire
pressing outward on each square inch of the
tire. Air pressure is expressed in pounds
per square inch (psi) or kilopascal (kPa).
Accessory Weight:This means the combined
weight of optional accessories. Some examples of
optional accessories are, automatic transmission/
transaxle, power steering, power brakes, power
windows, power seats, and air conditioning.
Aspect Ratio:The relationship of a tire’s height
to its width.
Belt:A rubber coated layer of cords that is
located between the plies and the tread. Cords
may be made from steel or other reinforcing
materials.
Bead:The tire bead contains steel wires wrapped
by steel cords that hold the tire onto the rim.
Bias Ply Tire:A pneumatic tire in which the plies
are laid at alternate angles less than 90 degrees
to the centerline of the tread.
410

Different Size Tires and Wheels
If you add wheels or tires that are a different size
than your original equipment wheels and tires, this
may affect the way your vehicle performs, including
its braking, ride and handling characteristics,
stability, and resistance to rollover. Additionally,
if your vehicle has electronic systems such as,
anti-lock brakes, traction control, and electronic
stability control, the performance of these systems
can be affected.
{CAUTION:
If you add different sized wheels, your
vehicle may not provide an acceptable
level of performance and safety if tires
not recommended for those wheels are
selected. You may increase the chance
that you will crash and suffer serious
injury. Only use GM specic wheel and
tire systems developed for your vehicle,
and have them properly installed by a GM
certied technician.SeeBuying New Tires on page 418and
Accessories and Modications on page 354
for additional information.
Uniform Tire Quality Grading
Quality grades can be found where applicable
on the tire sidewall between tread shoulder
and maximum section width. For example:
Treadwear 200 Traction AA Temperature A
The following information relates to the system
developed by the United States National Highway
Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which
grades tires by treadwear, traction, and
temperature performance. This applies only to
vehicles sold in the United States. The grades are
molded on the sidewalls of most passenger car
tires. The Uniform Tire Quality Grading (UTQG)
system does not apply to deep tread, winter-type
snow tires, space-saver, or temporary use spare
tires, tires with nominal rim diameters of
10 to 12 inches (25 to 30 cm), or to some
limited-production tires.
420

Tire Chains
{CAUTION:
Do not use tire chains. There is not enough
clearance. Tire chains used on a vehicle
without the proper amount of clearance
can cause damage to the brakes,
suspension, or other vehicle parts. The
area damaged by the tire chains could
cause you to lose control of your vehicle
and you or others may be injured in a
crash.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)
Use another type of traction device only if
its manufacturer recommends it for use
on your vehicle and tire size combination
and road conditions. Follow that
manufacturer’s instructions. To help avoid
damage to your vehicle, drive slowly,
readjust or remove the device if it is
contacting your vehicle, and do not spin
the wheels. If you do nd traction devices
that will t, install them on the front tires
for front-wheel-drive vehicles. If your
vehicle has all-wheel drive, install traction
devices on either the front tires or all four
tires, but never on the rear tires only.
424

Service Publications Ordering
Information
Service Manuals
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair
information on engines, transmission, axle
suspension, brakes, electrical, steering, body, etc.
Transmission, Transaxle, Transfer
Case Unit Repair Manual
This manual provides information on unit repair
service procedures, adjustments, and
specications for GM transmissions, transaxles,
and transfer cases.
Service Bulletins
Service Bulletins give technical service information
needed to knowledgeably service General Motors
cars and trucks. Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the diagnosis and service of your
vehicle.
In Canada, the service bulletin reference number
can be obtained by contacting your General
Motors dealer or by calling 1-800-GM-DRIVE
(1-800-463-7483). This reference number is
needed to order the service bulletin from
Helm, Inc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $6.00 US + Processing Fee
510

Ashtray(s).................................................... 200
Audio System(s).......................................... 250
Audio Steering Wheel Controls................. 296
Care of Your CD and DVD Player............ 298
Care of Your CDs and DVDs................... 298
Fixed Mast Antenna................................. 299
Navigation/Radio System, see
Navigation Manual................................ 277
Radio with CD......................................... 252
Radio with Six-Disc CD............................ 262
Rear Seat Audio (RSA)............................ 293
Setting the Time...................................... 252
Theft-Deterrent Feature............................ 296
Understanding Radio Reception............... 297
XM™ Satellite Radio Antenna System...... 299
Automatic Headlamp System....................... 187
Automatic Transaxle
Fluid........................................................ 372
Operation................................................. 132
B
Battery........................................................ 393
Run-Down Protection............................... 192
Before Leaving on a Long Trip.................... 323
Bench Seat, Split.......................................... 15Brake
Anti-Lock Brake System (ABS)................. 307
Emergencies............................................ 309
Low Fluid Warning Message.................... 232
Parking.................................................... 135
System Warning Light.............................. 219
Brakes........................................................ 389
Braking....................................................... 306
Braking in Emergencies............................... 309
Break-In, New Vehicle................................. 127
Bulb Replacement....................................... 399
Halogen Bulbs......................................... 399
Headlamps, Front Turn Signal,
Sidemarker, and Parking Lamps........... 399
Replacement Bulbs.................................. 404
Taillamps and Back-Up Lamps................. 402
Taillamps, Turn Signal, and Stoplamps..... 401
Buying New Tires........................................ 418
C
Calibration................................................... 238
California Fuel............................................. 357
California Proposition 65 Warning................ 355
Canadian Owners........................................... 3
Capacities and Specications...................... 469
Captain Chairs, Rear..................................... 21
514