| Subject: | Proper Installation of Front Brake Pads with Wear Indicator (Possibility
of Reversing Front Brake Pads) |
| Models: | 1997-2001 Chevrolet Malibu |
| 1997-1999 Oldsmobile Cutlass |
| 1999-2001 Oldsmobile Alero |
| 1999-2001 Pontiac Grand Am |
This bulletin cancels and replaces Corporate Bulletin Number
73-50-34. Please discard Corporate Bulletin Number 73-50-34
(Section 5 -- Brakes).
It may be possible to interchange the outboard and inboard
front brake pads on the above vehicles without obvious concerns at the time
of installation.
Improper installation of the brake pads may result in reduced lining
life. In addition, possible interference between the compact spare wheel and
the caliper may occur. This interference may be sufficient to prevent the
wheel from turning when the compact spare is installed soon after pad replacement.
Service Information 1997-2001
The following list details concerns with the Service Information contained
within the L/N car Service Manuals. These items will be updated in the Electronic
Service Information.
| • | The 1997 Chevrolet Malibu and Oldsmobile Cutlass Service Manuals
incorrectly state that the brake pad with the wear indicator should be located
on the outboard front brake pad. The accompanying illustrations are also incorrect. |
| • | The 1998 Chevrolet Malibu/Oldsmobile Cutlass and the 1999 Service
Manual for all four models contain text which describes correctly the front
brake pad replacement procedure and location of the front brake pads. The
accompanying illustrations, however, show the incorrect pad location. |
| • | The 2000 and 2001 Chevrolet Malibu and Grand Am/ Alero Service
Manuals contain text which correctly describes the front brake pad replacement
procedure. The accompanying illustrations are generic and do not indicate
the presence of a wear indicator used as part of the pad assembly. |
Recommendations
Important: Service kits include specific right hand and left hand inboard pads.
When installing front brake pads, the pads with the wear indicators must be
installed in the inboard position (against the piston) in the brake caliper.
Figure 1, callout (1) shows the proper positioning of the wear indicator.
When the proper inboard pad is installed, the wear indictor will point upward
with the caliper installed on the car. If the pad with the wear indicator
is installed in the outboard position, front brake lining life may be reduced.
In addition, interference between the compact spare wheel and the caliper
can occur. This interference may be sufficient to prevent the wheel from turning
when the compact spare is installed.
| • | Include a copy of this service bulletin in each affected Service
Manual. |
| • | Provide a copy of this service bulletin to all brake technicians. |
| • | Provide this information to the dealer personnel responsible for
tire and wheel rotations and repairs. |
| • | Make checking for the proper location of the brake pads a part
of your free brake and safety inspections on these vehicles. It takes no additional
time and will improve customer satisfaction. Simply identify that the wear
indicators are on the inboard pads and are pointed upward. |
