1996 Chevrolet Cavalier Owner's Manual - Page 268

Brake Wear Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a could result in costly brake repair. high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads needed. The sound may come and are Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake go or be heard all the time your vehicle moving (except is when you are pushing on the brake pedal f i i l y ) . 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 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 brake drums rear 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 axle sets. The brake wear warning sound means that sooner or later your brakes won't work well. That could lead to accident. When you hear an the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced. L 6-30