1993 Buick Century Owner's Manual - Page 151

Rear Drum Brakes Your rear drum brakesdon't have wear indicators, but if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have rear the brake linings inspected.Also, the rear brake drums should be removed and inspected each timethe tiresare removed for rotationor changing. .When have the front brakes you replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always be replaced complete as axle sets. Braking In Emergencies At some time,nearly every driver gets into a situation that requires hard braking. Your first reaction-to hit the brake pedal hard and hold it down-may be the wrong thing to do. Your wheels can stop rolling. Once they do, the vehicle can't respond to your steering. Momentum will carry itin whatever direction it was headed when the wheels stopped rolling. That could be the road, into off to the very thing you were trying avoid, or into traffic. Use a "squeeze" braking technique. This will give you maximum braking while maintaining steeringcontrol. You do this by pushing on the brake pedal with steadily increasing pressure. In an emergency you will probably want to "squeeze" the brakes hard without locking the wheels. you hear or If feel the wheels sliding, ease the brakepedal. This will off help you retain steering control. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brakepedal does not return to normal height,or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could bea sign of brake trouble. Brake Adjustment Every time you make a moderate brake stop, your disc brakes adjust for wear.If you rarely make a moderate or heavier stop, then your brakes might not adjust correctly.' In many emergencies, steering can helpyou more than even the very best braking. If you drive in thatway, then-very carefully-make a few moderate brake stops about every, o miles 1 O 0 (1 600 km), so your brakes will adjust properly. If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your rear drum brakesmay need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up andfirmly applying the brakes a times. few 149