Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
216 DRIVING AND OPERATING
Brake Cooling (V-Series Blackwing)
Prior to any track event, high speed
driving event, or competitive driving,
complete the following:1. Ensure all the brake cooling parts are correctly secured and installed.
2. Inspect and replace any deflectors that have damage.
3. Inspect for blockage in the front brake cooling duct prior to every
event.
If improved brake cooling is desired,
install the ball joint protector front
shields, remove both upper and lower
rear rotor shields, and install the rear
lower control arm cooling deflectors,
per the instructions included with the
brake cooling kit. These parts are for
track use only. After track events
reinstall original front and rear rotor
shields, and remove rear lower control
arm cooling deflectors.
Right Side Front Shown, Left Side Front Similar
1. Front Lower Control Arm Deflector
2. Front Brake Cooling Duct Brake Pad Wear Sensors
If equipped, the brake pad wear
sensors need to be removed from the
brake calipers prior to any track or
racing event. The original sensors can
be reinstalled if significant brake pad
wear is not observed. Refer to
Brake
Pad Life System (If Equipped) 0346.
If the sensors are not reinstalled after
the track event, install brake pad wear
sensor plugs. See your dealer.
The V-Series Blackwing is equipped
with brake pad wear sensors which are
track capable and should not be
disabled for track and racing.
A message will display in the Driver
Information Center (DIC) when the
brake pads show excessive wear.
Brake Fluid
Replace existing brake fluid with a
qualified DOT 4 high performance
brake fluid from a sealed container.
Brake fluid with a dry boiling point
>310 °C (590 °F) is qualified. If high
performance brake fluid is used,
replace it with GM approved brake
fluid before driving on public roads.
If high performance brake fluid is in
the vehicle and the age of the brake
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
218 DRIVING AND OPERATING
DOT 4 race fluid for track use. Boiled
brake fluid is compromised and must
be replaced.
Brake Burnishing
For vehicles equipped with front
Brembo brake systems:
Performance/racing brake pads are
required prior to racing or closed track
driving. Vehicles with option code JE2
have performance brake pads. This
procedure should not be performed on
other models as damage may result.
New brake pads must be burnished
before racing or other competitive
driving.
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnish(Continued)
Caution (Continued)
procedure, otherwise damage may
occur to the powertrain/engine. See
New Vehicle Break-In0231.
Caution
Brake fade will occur during this
track burnish procedure and can
cause brake pedal travel and force
to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
When this procedure is performed as
instructed, it will not damage the
brakes. The brake pads will smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force
and pedal travel may increase. After
the procedure, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation. Street High Performance Brake
Burnishing Procedure
This section is for the V-Series
Blackwing with J57 carbon ceramic
brake rotors only.
This procedure should only be run on
a track or other non-public area, and
only on dry pavement.
Caution
Brake fade will occur during this
track burnish procedure and can
cause brake pedal travel and force
to increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
1. From a stop, accelerate as rapidly as possible without activating
traction control to a speed of
100 km/h (60 mph).
2. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, use enough pedal
force to completely stop the vehicle
in four to five seconds. (~0.7g Decel
level to stop the vehicle in a
straight line). If ABS activates,
braking is too hard.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
VEHICLE CARE 345
brake dust on the wheels and calipers
as compared to standard brake linings.
This is normal.
To help reduce squeal, high
performance brake pads are treated
with an anti-squeal paste that may
need to be reapplied periodically as
part of normal vehicle maintenance.
The anti-squeal paste will dissipate
over time. Also, the use of wheel
cleaners or power washers directly on
the brake calipers may remove the
anti-squeal paste from the brake pads.
It may be necessary to reapply the
anti-squeal paste if it is removed
during cleaning.
If brake squeal is excessive, the
anti-squeal paste should be reapplied.
The anti-squeal paste should always
be reapplied whenever the brake pads
are removed or replaced. See your
dealer for service.
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 that brake
service may be required.
Replacing Brake System Parts
Always replace brake system parts
with new, approved replacement parts.
If this is not done, the brakes may not
work properly. The braking
performance can change in many
ways if the wrong brake parts are
installed or if parts are improperly
installed.
The Brake Fade Warning Assist
system is designed for use with the
factory-installed brake pads or GM
approved replacement pads. If the
brake pads on the vehicle need to be
replaced, use GM-approved brake
pads. If this is not done, the brake
fade warning system may not function
properly.
High Performance Brake Lining
Car Wash and Extended
Parking Care
If equipped with high performance
brake components, binding or
clunking may be noticeable after
extended parking or in cold weather
when the brakes have been wet, such
as when driving in the rain or after a
car wash. The clunking is normal forbrakes with high performance brake
linings and does not affect the
operation of the brakes. When driving,
normal braking will allow for the
brakes to feel smooth and the
clunking to go away. If the vehicle is
washed before overnight parking or
long term storage, drive it and apply
the brakes several times to thoroughly
dry the brakes.
Brake Rotor Wear (V-Series
Blackwing With J57 Carbon
Ceramic Rotors)
The V-Series Blackwing with J57 has
carbon ceramic brake rotors. The
rotors should be visually inspected
whenever the brake pads are replaced.
Carbon ceramic brake rotors also need
to be weighed before brake pads are
replaced to confirm that the rotor
mass is greater than the wear-out
mass printed on the rotor. The rotor
can be reused if the weight of the
rotor is above the mass limit. Carbon
ceramic brake rotors inspection and
weighing methods can be found in the
service manual.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
346 VEHICLE CARE
V-Series Blackwing Brake
Burnish Procedure for Corrosion
Cleanup
Corrosion spotting and grooving on
the brake rotor surface may appear
after the vehicle sits for an extended
period of time, especially in high
humidity. This corrosion may result in
brake pulsation and noise. To help
restore optimal braking performance
and reduce noise, complete the
following procedure:
Caution
Performing the brake burnish
procedure on a base brake system
can result in brake damage.
Perform this procedure only on dry
pavement, in a safe manner, and in
compliance with all local and state
ordinances/laws regarding motor
vehicle operation.
Caution
The new vehicle break-in period
should be completed before
performing the brake burnishing (Continued)
Caution (Continued)
procedure or damage may occur to
the powertrain/engine. See New
Vehicle Break-In 0231.
Caution
Brake fade can occur during this
burnish procedure and can cause
brake pedal travel and force to
increase. This could extend
stopping distance until the brakes
are fully burnished.
Completing the following procedure as
instructed will not damage the brakes.
The brake pads may smoke and
produce an odor. The braking force
and pedal travel may increase. After
the procedure, the brake pads may
appear white at the rotor contact. 1. Using the G-Force Gauge in the HUD display, apply the brakes 10
times starting at 100 km/h
(60 mph) to 50 km/h (30 mph)
while decelerating at 0.4g.
SeeHead-Up Display (HUD) 0115. This is a medium brake application.
Drive for at least 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
between applying the brakes.
2. If further cleanup of the brake discs is needed, repeat this
procedure with 0.7g applications.
As with all high performance brake
systems, some amount of brake squeal
is normal.
Brake Pad Life System (If
Equipped)
When to Change Brake Pads
If equipped, this system estimates the
remaining life of the front and rear
brake pads. Brake Pad Life is displayed
in the Driver Information Center
(DIC), along with a percentage for
each axle. The system must be reset
every time the brake pads are
changed.
When the system has determined that
the brake pads need to be replaced, a
message displays, which may include
mileage remaining.
Brake pads should always be replaced
as complete axle sets.
Cadillac CT4 Owner Manual (GMNA-Localizing-U.S./Canada-15283641) -
2022 - CRC - 10/12/21
VEHICLE CARE 401
Caution (Continued)
that have been sprayed with
magnesium chloride or calcium
chloride. These are used on roads
for conditions such as dust control.
Always wash the chrome with soap
and water after exposure.
Caution
To avoid surface damage on wheels
and wheel trim, do not use strong
soaps, chemicals, abrasive polishes,
cleaners, or brushes. Use only GM
approved cleaners. Do not drive the
vehicle through an automatic car
wash that uses silicon carbide tire/
wheel cleaning brushes. Damage
could occur and the repairs would
not be covered by the vehicle
warranty.
Brake System
Visually inspect brake lines and hoses
for proper hook-up, binding, leaks,
cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake
pads for wear and rotors for surfacecondition. Inspect brake linings/shoes
for wear or cracks. Inspect all other
brake parts.
Steering, Suspension, and
Chassis Components
Visually inspect steering, suspension,
and chassis components for damaged,
loose, or missing parts or signs of
wear at least once a year.
Inspect power steering for proper
attachment, connections, binding,
leaks, cracks, chafing, etc.
Visually check constant velocity joint
boots and axle seals for leaks.
Body Component Lubrication
Lubricate all key lock cylinders, hood
hinges, liftgate hinges, and the steel
fuel door hinges, unless the
components are plastic. Applying
silicone grease on weatherstrips with a
clean cloth will make them last
longer, seal better, and not stick or
squeak.
Underbody Maintenance
Every six months, use plain water to
flush any corrosive materials from the
underbody. Take care to thoroughly
clean any areas where mud and other
debris can collect.
Do not directly power wash the
transfer case and/or front/rear axle
output seals. High pressure water can
overcome the seals and contaminate
the fluid. Contaminated fluid will
decrease the life of the transfer case
and/or axles and should be replaced.
Sheet Metal Damage
If the vehicle is damaged and requires
sheet metal repair or replacement,
make sure the body repair shop
applies anti-corrosion material to
parts repaired or replaced to restore
corrosion protection.
Original manufacturer replacement
parts will provide the corrosion
protection while maintaining the
vehicle warranty.