1997 Buick Skylark Owner's Manual - Page 266

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal whenthe 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 the in 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 Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear. If yourarely make a moderate or 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 modern vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be top quality and work well of 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 Buick does when new. When it is you replace partsof 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. you don't, your brakes may no If longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong your vehicle, the for balance between your front and rear brakes can change -- for the worse. braking performance The you've come to expect can change in many other ways if someone putsin the wrong replacement brake parts. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. See "Brake System Inspection" Section 7 of this manual in under P r C "Periodic Maintenance Inspections". at Brake Pedal Travel See your dealerif the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or there is a rapid increasein pedal if of travel. This could be a signbrake trouble. 6-31