Firebird V8-305 5.0L VIN E (1992)
BRAKE NOISE:
Brake noise is caused by vibration of brake components. Some intermittent brake noise is normal. Usually 3-4 aggressive stops will temporarily reduce
or eliminate most brake squeal. If this does not work, index, remove and remount the wheels and make sure wheel nuts are torqued in the STAR
PATTERN to specification. If the noise persists, a brake dampening compound may be applied to the back of each pad. Use Permatex Disc Brake Quiet
#126HB or equivalent.
ROTOR GROOVING:
Excessive grooving can be caused by foreign material in contact with the rotor, but most often rotor grooving is the result of normal brake wear. DO
NOT REPLACE ROTORS FOR LIGHT GROOVING. Replace rotors only when grooves of .060 in. (1.5mm) or deeper are present.
NOTE:
A dime may be used to determine disc brake groove depth. Place a dime in the groove, with Roosevelt's head toward the groove. If the dime goes into
the groove beyond the top of his head, the groove exceeds .060 in. and the rotor should be replaced. If the groove is too narrow for the dime to be
inserted, it is not a cause for concern.
HIGH PEDAL EFFORT:
Follow service manual diagnostic procedures for this condition. Replace rotors if they have been previously turned (they may have been turned
out-of-spec).
RUSTY ROTORS:
Most often rust is cosmetic and can be eliminated. Light surface rust may occur when a vehicle is not used for an extended period of time and it often
disappears after a few normal driving stops. New car dealers dealing with rotor surface rust can usually burnish brake rotors clean. 15 moderate stops
from 35-40 mph (with cooling time in-between) are usually sufficient.
CUSTOMER SERVICE NOTES:
Your customers should be made aware of the maintenance requirements of their Pontiac. These owner responsibilities are described and listed in the
Owner's Manual under Periodic Maintenance Inspections. (Example: Brake Linings, Tire and Wheel Inspection and Rotation are owner maintenance).
PDI sheets describing wheel nut torque requirements and procedures will be updated for 1993 vehicles.
ADDITIONAL BRAKE-FACTS:
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Brake surfaces should NOT be rough. Rotors should be as smooth as possible.
^
To ensure maximum brake performance and decreased comebacks, wheel nuts should be torqued to specification using proper tools and star
pattern technique.
^
Rotors wear from normal use. Rotors do not warp.
^
New rotors should NOT be turned before installation. A cleaner may be used to clean brake surfaces.
^
Rotors with perceived hard spots or discoloration should not be turned. These conditions are not abnormal.
^
Installation of new rotors does not necessarily mean pads need replacement. Do NOT replace pads unless their condition requires it.
II.
OVER TORQUING OF WHEEL NUTS:
1.
A TORQUE WRENCH OR TORQUE STICK MUST BE USED to insure that the wheel nuts are tightened to specification. This should be done
in 2 steps using the STAR PATTERN. First, snug the nuts down by hand. Then, using the STAR PATTERN and a torque wrench/stick, tighten
the wheel nuts to about half the final torque. Finally, tighten the wheel nuts to specification using the STAR PATTERN and a torque wrench/stick.
2.
NEVER use lubricants or penetrating fluids on wheel studs, nuts, or mounting surfaces. Wheel nuts, studs, and mounting surfaces must be clean
and dry.
