Skyhawk L4-121 2.0L VIN K TBI (1987)
Brake Pad: All Technical Service Bulletins
Brakes - Disc Brake Noise
Bulletin 87-5-3
Date Jan. '87
Ref. No. 87-031-5
SUBJECT:
DISC BRAKE NOISE
MODELS AFFECTED: ALL
The Disc Brake system used on vehicles today was designed and developed to meet a diverse array of stringent requirements while providing an
optimum level of performance under a wide range of vehicle operating conditions. The design criteria includes government requirements, service life,
space limitations, noise level, heat transfer and cooling, stopping ability, pedal effort and feel, fade resistance and environmental effects.
The choice of brake pads is ultimately a balanced choice, but priority must be given to those criteria which affect braking performance under the Federal
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. As a result, a certain amount of brake noise can result. The brake pads used on today's vehicles may cause an occasional
and intermittent high-pitched squeak or squeal when brakes are applied with light or moderate pressure. If the brake system is functioning correctly and it
is the judgement of the dealership's service department that the demonstrated condition is normal brake noise, the customer should be assured that this is
an operating characteristic of disc brakes and no repair attempted. Efforts to completely eliminate these noises are frequently temporary.
All brake noises should not be arbitrarily considered normal. They should be diagnosed as outlined in the Service Manual. An example of a similar noise
requiring corrective action is the constant versus intermittent high-pitched squeal that is emitted by the disc brake wear warning sensor when brake pads
are excessively worn.
