brake pads PONTIAC GRAND AM 1997 Owners Manual

Brake Wear
Your Pontiac has front disc brakes and rear drum 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
firmly).
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won’t work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
I 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 first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
See “Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection” in
Section
7 of this manual under Part C “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections.”
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to
GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don’t have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected. Also, the rear brake drums
should be removed and inspected each time the tires are
removed for rotation or changing. When you have the
front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes
inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See “Brake System Inspection” in Section
7 of this
manual under Part C “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections”.
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Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. Also inspect drum brake linings
for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including
drums, wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc.
The parking brake is self-adjusting and
no manual
adjustment is required.
You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result in frequent braking.
Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection
If you operate your vehicle in a highly corrosive
environment, as indicated by the shaded areas on the
map following this text, your vehicle may require
additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate
GM
Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection
procedure. As necessary, caliper pins and knuckle brake
pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire
rotation. Also, see your
GM dealer’s service department
or qualified service center for additional information.
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