SW1 L4-1.9L SOHC VIN 8 (1996)
Brake Pad: Customer Interest
Brakes - Noise/Pulsation From Front
BULLETIN NO.: 96-T-40A
ISSUE DATE: August, 1996
GROUP/SEQ. NO.: Chassis-05
CORPORATION NO.: 685005R
SUBJECT:
Front Brake Noise and/or Front Brake Pulsation
(Replace with New Front Disc Brake Pads)
Technical bulletin 96-T-40 was revised prior to distribution due to changes in the SUBJECT, and the addition of a CONDITION, CAUSE and
CORRECTION.
MODELS AFFECTED:
1991-1997 Saturns
CONDITION:
Repeat excessive front brake grind/growl, squeak/squeal noise and/or pulsation during slow braking.
IMPORTANT:
Never replace disc brake pads on one side of axle only. Left and right side disc brake pads must be replaced as axle sets.
CAUSE:
Brake noises may be caused by vibration of brake components and/or contact between the disc brake pad and rotor during stopping. Some intermittent
brake noises are normal. The disc brake pads (P/N 21012690) used on 1991-1996 Saturns can allow some front brake noise.
In high corrosion areas of the country, semi-metallic pads, interacting with the front rotor, may contribute to the corrosion process leaving a front disc
brake pad shaped "footprint" on the rotor. This "footprint" may cause front brake pulsation.
In addition, pulsation may be caused by thickness variation worn into the rotor by the disc brake pads. The new disc brakes pads, installed on 1997
vehicles, cause less rotor thickness variation as a result of wear.
CORRECTION
Replace front disc brake pads with new non-asbestos organic front brake pads (P/N 21012856) used on 1997 vehicles. Brake rotors should not be
refinished unless there is a pulsation caused by the rotor, or the brake rotors are excessively scored. Scoring of brake rotor surfaces not exceeding 1.5
mm (0.060 in.) in depth, which may result from normal use is not detrimental to brake operation.
All 1997 Saturns are built with the new non-asbestos organic front disc brake pads (P/N 21012856) and new front brake rotors (P/N 21012880). When
servicing a 1997 vehicle, use the new design front disc brake pads and new design front disc brake rotors.
Front Disc Brake Pads (P/N 21012856)
The new front disc brake pads (P/N 21012856) can be identified by the friction material being slotted into two sections, similar to the rear disc brake
pads currently being used on Saturn vehicles. The new design front disc brake pads (P/N 21012856) can be used with either the previous or new design
front brake rotors, whether either rotor is new, used, refinished or different design version on either axle.
IMPORTANT:
Never replace brake pads on one side of axle only. Left and right side brake pads must be replaced as axle sets.
New Front Brake Rotors (P/N 21012880)
