Page 37 of 387

Adding Equipment to Your Air
Bag-Equipped Geo
@ If I add a push bumper or a bicycle rack to the
front
of my vehicle, will it keep the air bags
from working properly?
A: As long as the push bumper or bicycle rack is
attached to your vehicle so that the vehicle’s basic
structure isn’t changed,
it’s not likely to keep the
air bags from working properly in a crash.
@ Is there anything I might add to the front of the
vehicle that
could keep the air bags from
working properly?
A: Yes. If you add things that change your vehicle’s
frame, bumper system, front end sheet metal or
height, they may keep the air bag system
from
working properly. Also, the air bag system may not
work properly if you relocate any of the air bag
sensors.
If you have any questions about this, you .
should contact Customer Assistance before you
modify your vehicle. (The phone numbers and
addresses for Customer Assistance are in Step Two
of the Customer Satisfaction Procedure
in this
manual.
See “Customer Satisfaction Procedure”
in the Index.)
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Page 269 of 387

Brake Wear
Your Geo 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
wor~ 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).
The brake wear warning sound means that sooner
or later 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: I
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result
in costly brake repair.
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,
Free movement of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts are necessary to help prevent brake pulsation.
When tires are rotated, inspect brake calipers for
movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque wheel
nuts
in the proper sequence to GM specifications.
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.
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Page 283 of 387

Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned and balanced
carefully at the factory
to give you the longest tire life
and best overall performance.
In most cases, you will not need to have your wheels
aligned again. However, if you notice unusual tire wear
or your vehicle pulling one way or the other, the
alignment may need
to be reset. If you notice your
vehicle vibrating when driving
on a smooth road, your
wheels may need
to be rebalanced.
Wheel Replacement
Replace any wheel that is bent, cracked, or badly rusted
or corroded.
If wheel nuts keep corning loose, the wheel,
wheel bolts
and wheel nuts should be replaced. If the
wheel leaks
air, replace it (except some aluminum
wheels, which
can sometimes be repaired). See your
Geo dealer if any of these conditions exist.
Your dealer will know the kind
of wheel you need.
Each new wheel
should have the same load-carrying
capacity, diameter, width, offset
and be mounted the
same way as
the one it replaces.
If you need to replace any of your wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts, replace them only with new
GM original
equipment parts. This way, you will be sure to have the
right wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for your
Geo model.
Using the wrong replacement wheels, wheel bolts
or wheel nuts on your vehicle can be dangerous. It
could affect the braking and handling of your
vehicle, make your tires lose air and make
you lose
control.
You could have a collision in which you or
others could be injured. Always use the correct
wheel, wheel bolts and wheel nuts for replacement.
NOTICE:
The wrong wheel can also cause problems with
bearing life, brake cooling, speedometer or
odometer calibration, headlamp aim, bumper
height, vehicle
ground clearance and tire or tire
chain clearance to the body and
chassis.
~~
See “Changing a Flat Tire” in the Index for more
information.
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Page 301 of 387
Vehicle Dimensions
Wheelbase Two-Door Convertible
... 86.6 inches (2 200 mm)
Four-Door Hardtop
...... 97.6 inches (2 480 mm)
Tread
Front
................. 54.9 inches (1 395 mm)
Rear ................ 55.1 inches (1 400 mm)
Length
Two-Door Convertible
. . 143.7 inches (3 650 mm)
Four-Door Hardtop ..... 158.7 inches (4 030 mm)
Two-Door Convertible ... 64.2 inches (1 630 mm)
Four-Door Hardtop ...... 64.4 inches (1 635 mm)
Two-Door Convertible
Two-Wheel Drive
...... 64.3 inches (1 633 mm)
Width
Height Four-wheel Drive
..... 65.1 inches (1 654 mm)
Four-Door Hardtop
Two-Wheel Drive ...... 65.7 inches (1 669 mm)
Four-wheel Drive ..... 66.5 inches (1 689 mm)
Air Conditioning Refrigerants
Not all air conditioning refrigerants'are the same.
If the air conditioning system in your vehicle needs
refrigerant, be sure the proper refrigerant
is used.
If you're not sure, ask your Geo dealer.
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