264 VEHICLE CARECautionContinuing to drive with worn-outbrake pads could result in costlybrake repair.Some driving conditions or climatescan cause a brake squeal when thebrakes are first applied or lightlyapplied. This does not meansomething is wrong with the brakes.If equipped with high performancebrake linings, there could be anincreased build-up of brake dust aswell as minor noises as compared tostandard brake linings.Properly torqued wheel nuts arenecessary to help prevent brakepulsation. When tires are rotated,inspect brake pads for wear andevenly tighten wheel nuts in theproper sequence to torquespecifications. See Capacities andSpecifications 0 333.Brake pads should be replaced ascomplete sets.Brake Pedal TravelSee your dealer if the brake pedal doesnot return to normal height, or ifthere is a rapid increase in pedaltravel. This could be a sign that brakeservice may be required.Replacing Brake System PartsAlways replace brake system partswith new, approved replacement parts.If this is not done, the brakes may notwork properly. The brakingperformance expected can change inmany other ways if the wrongreplacement brake parts are installedor parts are improperly installed.Cold Weather Brake Operation(CTS-V Model)High performance brake componentsmay bind and clunk when moving thevehicle. This may be noticeable afterparking when the brakes have beenwet, such as when driving in the rainor after a car wash. This is normal forbrakes with high friction pads anddoes not affect the operation of thebrakes. Apply the brakes several timesuntil the binding or clunking stops.Drive the vehicle and apply the brakesseveral times if it is washed beforelong-term storage.Brake FluidThe brake master cylinder reservoir isfilled with GM approved DOT 3 brakefluid as indicated on the reservoir cap.See Engine Compartment Overview0 243 for the location of the reservoir.Checking Brake FluidWith the vehicle in P (Park) on a levelsurface, the brake fluid level should bebetween the minimum and maximummarks on the brake fluid reservoir.There are only two reasons why thebrake fluid level in the reservoir maygo down:. Normal brake lining wear. Whennew linings are installed, the fluidlevel goes back up.
