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What to Add 
When  you do  need  brake fluid, use only DOT-3 brake 
fluid 
-- such as Delco  Supreme 11 @ (GM Part 
No.1052535). Use new  brake fluid  from a sealed 
container  only,  and  always clean 
the brake fluid 
reservoir  cap before removing  it. 
I NOTICE: 
~ 0 Don’t  let  someone  put in the wrong kind  of 
’ fluid.  For example,  just a few  drops  of 
mineral-based  oil, such  as engine  oil,  in 
your  brake  system  can damage  brake 
system  parts 
so badly that they’ll  have to be 
replaced. 
Brake  fluid can damage paint, so be careful 
not to  spill brake  fluid  on  your vehicle. 
If 
you do, wash it off immediately.  See 
“Appearance Care”  in the  Index. 
Brake  Wear 
Your  Pontiac 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  be  heard  all the  time  your  vehicle is moving 
(except  when  you  are pushing 
on the  brake  pedal 
firmly). 
6-28 
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NOTICE: 
Continuing to drive  with  worn-out  brake  pads 
could  result  in costly 
brake repair. 
b 
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  brake  drums 
should  be  removed  and  inspected  each  time the  tires  are 
removed  for rotation  or changing. When  you have  the 
front  brakes  replaced,  have  the  rear brakes  inspected, 
too. 
Brake  linings  should always  be  replaced  as  complete 
axle  sets. 
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. 
Brake Adjustment 
Every  time  you  apply  the  brakes moderately,  with  or 
without  the  vehicle moving,  your  brakes  adjust  for  wear. 
Replacing  Brake  System  Parts 
The braking  system  on a modern  vehicle is complex.  Its 
many  parts  have  to  be 
of top  quality  and  work  well 
together  if the  vehicle  is to  have  really  good  braking. 
Vehicles  we  design  and  test have  top-quality  GM  brake 
parts  in  them, 
as your  Pontiac 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  that  are  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. 
Battery 
Every  new  Pontiac  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. 
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Exhaust  System  Inspection 
Inspect the complete  exhaust  system. Inspect the body 
near the  exhaust system. Look  for  broken,  damaged, 
missing  or out-of-position  parts as well as open  seams, 
holes,  loose  connections,  or other conditions which 
could  cause a heat  build-up in the floor pan or  could  let 
exhaust  fumes into the vehicle.  See  “Engine Exhaust” in 
the Index. 
Throttle  Linkage  Inspection 
Inspect the throttle  linkage  for interference  or binding, 
and  for damaged or missing parts.  Replace parts as 
needed. Accelerator and  cruise control  should not 
be 
lubricated. 
Brake  System  Inspection 
Inspect  the complete  system. Inspect  brake lines and 
hoses  for  proper  hookup, binding,  leaks, cracks, chafing, 
etc. Inspect disc  brake  pads  for  wear and rotors for 
surface  condition.  Also  inspect  drum brake linings for 
wear and  cracks. Inspect  other brake parts, including 
drums,  wheel cylinders,  calipers, parking brake,  etc. 
Check parking brake adjustment.  You may need  to have 
your  brakes  inspected more 
often if your driving habits 
or  conditions  result  in frequent  braking. 
I. 
... 
Part D: Recommended  Fluids  and 
Lubricants 
NOTE: Fluids  and lubricants identified below by  name, 
part  number 
or specification may be  obtained  from your 
GM dealer. 
USAGE 
Engine Oil 
Engine  Coolant 
FLUIDLUBRICANT 
Engine  oil  with the American 
Petroleum  Institute Certified 
For 
Gasoline Engines “Starburst” 
symbol  of the proper viscosity. 
To 
determine  the preferred viscosity 
for  your  vehicle’s engine, 
see 
“Engine  Oil” in the Index. 
50/50 mixture  of water (preferably 
distilled)  and good quality 
ethylene  glycol base antifreeze 
(GM Part 
No. 1052753 or 
equivalent)  conforming  to  GM 
Specification  1825M or approved 
recycled  coolant 
conforming ta 
GM Specification 1825M. 
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