1997 Oldsmobile Achieva Owner's Manual - Page 263

Your Oldsmobile has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may come and go or beheard all the time your vehicle is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake pedal firmly). Some driving conditions or climates cause a brake may squeal when the brakes are firstapplied or lightly applied. Thisdoes not mean something is wrong with your brakes. See "CaliperKnuckleMaintenance Inspection" in Section 7 of this manual under Part C "Periodic Maintenance Inspections." Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the proper sequence to GM specifications. if Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, 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 removed are for rotation or changing. Whenyou have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear brakes inspected, too. Brake linings shouldalways be replaced as complete axle sets. See "Brake System Inspection" in Section 7 of this manual under Part C "Periodic Maintenance Inspections". I 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. I NOTICE: Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads could result in costly brake repair.