1997 Chevrolet Malibu Owner's Manual - Page 248

Some driving conditions climates may cause a brake or squeal whenthe brakes are first applied or lightly Your Chevrolet has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. applied. This does not mean something wrong with is your brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect be heard all the timeyour vehicle is moving (except when brake padsfor wear and evenly torque wheel nuts the in you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). proper sequence to GM specifications. Brake Wear 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 wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced. Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators,if but 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 a 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 of this manual 7 under P r C "Periodic Maintenance Inspections." at NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could resulti costly brake repair. n 6-27