1996 Pontiac Firebird Owner's Manual - Page 277

rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each Replacing Brake System Parts time the tires are removed rotation or changing. for When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear The braking system ona modern vehicle is complex. Its many parts have to be top qualityand work well of brakes inspected, too. together if the vehicle is to really good braking. have Brake linings should always replaced as complete be GM Vehicles we design and test have top-quality brake axle sets. parts in them, as your Pontiac does when it is new. When you replace parts of your braking system -- for Brake Pedal Travel example, when your brakelinings wear down and you have tohave new ones put in - be sure you get new See your dealer if brake pedal does not return to the genuine GM replacement parts. If you don't,your normal height,or if there is a rapid increase pe'dal in brakes m y no longer work properly.For example, i f of travel. This could be a sign brake trouble. someone puts i brake linings that are wrong for your n Brake Adjustment vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change - for the wme. The braking performance Every time you makea moderate brake stop, your disc you've cometo expect can change many other waysif in brakes adjustfor wear. If you rarely make a moderateor heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.someone putsin the wrong replacement brake parts. 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 YOU brake pedal goes downfarther than narmd, y o u rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.