Pontiac 1996 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 253

NOTICE:
I I
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.
Free movement of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers
for movement, 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 brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
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 make a moderate brake stop, your disc
brakes adjust for wear.
If
you rarely make a moderate ar
heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.
If you drive in that way, then
--
very carefully
--
make
a few moderate brake stops about every 1,000 miles
(1 600
km),
so your brakes will adjust properly.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up 'and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modem 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.
Vehicles we design and teSt have top-quality GM brake
parts in them, as your Pontiac does when it is new.
When you replace parts of your 'braking system
--
for
example, when your brake linings wear down and you
have to have new ones put in
--
be sure you get new
genuine
GM
replacement
parts.
If you don't, your
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