Brakes
This vehicle has disc 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 can come and go or be
heard all the time the vehicle is
moving, except when applying the
brake pedal firmly.
{CAUTION
The brake wear warning sound
means that soon the brakes will
not work well. That could lead to
an accident. When the brake wear
warning sound is heard, have the
vehicle serviced.
Notice: Continuing to drive
with worn-out brake pads could
result in costly brake repair. Some driving conditions or climates
can cause a brake squeal when
the brakes are first applied or
lightly applied. This does not mean
something is wrong with the brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are
necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires are rotated,
inspect brake pads for wear and
evenly tighten wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to torque
specifications in
Capacities and
Speci cations on page 11-2 .
Brake linings should always be
replaced as complete axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer/retailer 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
that brake service might be required.
Brake Adjustment
Every time the brakes are applied,
with or without the vehicle moving,
the brakes adjust for wear.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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. The vehicle was designed
and tested with top-quality brake
parts. When parts of the braking
system are replaced, be sure to get
new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes might
not work properly. For example,
installing disc brake pads that are
wrong for the vehicle, can change
the balance between the front and
rear brakes — for the worse. The
braking performance expected can
change in many other ways if the
wrong replacement brake parts are
installed.
9-26 Vehicle Care
Proper procedures to perform these
services can be found in a service
manual. SeeService Publications
Ordering Information on page 12-12 .
•Inspect the front and rear
suspension and steering system
for damaged, loose, or missing
parts or signs of wear. Inspect
power steering cables for proper
hook-up, binding, cracks, chafing,
etc. Clean and then inspect the
drive axle boot seals for damage,
tears, or leakage. Replace seals if
necessary.
•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.
SeeEngine Exhaust on
page 8-23.
•Inspect the complete fuel system
for damage or leaks.
•Inspect the cooling system
hoses and have them replaced
if they are cracked, swollen or
deteriorated. Inspect all pipes,
fittings and clamps; replace as
needed. Clean the outside of
the radiator and air conditioning
condenser. To help ensure proper
operation, a pressure test of the
cooling system and pressure cap
is recommended at least once
a year.
•Inspect the throttle system for
interference or binding, and for
damaged or missing parts.
Replace parts as needed.
Replace any components that
have high effort or excessive
wear. Do not lubricate accelerator
and cruise control cables.
•Inspect the complete brake
system. Inspect brake lines
and hoses for proper hook-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing,
etc. Inspect disc brake pads for
wear and rotors for surface
condition. Inspect other brake
parts, including calipers, parking
brake, etc. You may need to have
your brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or conditions
result in frequent braking.
10-14 Service and Maintenance
