1996 GMC Sonoma Owner's Manual - Page 256

Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly applied. This does not mean something is wrong with your brakes. 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 brakedrums should be removed and inspected each time the tiresare removed for rotationor changing. When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings should always be replaced as complete axle sets. Replacing Brake System Parts The braking system on a modern vehicle iscomplex. Its many parts have to be of top quality and work well together if the vehicle isto have really good braking. Vehicles we design and test have top-quality GM brake parts in them, as your vehicle does when it is new. When you replace parts of 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. If you don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For example, if someone puts in brake linings thatare wrong for your vehicle, the balance between your front and rear brakes can change-- for the worse. The braking performance you've come to expect can change in many other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts. Brake Pedal Travel See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble. Battery Every new vehicle has a Delco Freedom@battery. You never have to add water to one of these. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend a Delco Freedom@ battery. Get one that has the replacement number shown on the original battery's label. Brake Adjustment Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes ad-just for wear. If your brake pedal goes down fa-ther than normal, your rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times. 6-34