Chevrolet 1997 Cavalier Owner's Manual page 275

Brake Wear
Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a
high-pitched waming 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 f i i y ) .
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.
NOTICE:
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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 "CaliperKnuckle 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 t
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 brake
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.''