Pontiac 1998 Grand Am Owner's Manual page 267

Brake Wear
Your vehicle 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).
A
a
CAUTION:
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 w e a r
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 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 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 immediately. 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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