Rear Disc Brake Noise and/or Pulsation (Replace with New Rear Disc Brake Pads)

This bulletin is being revised to delete the previous color reference (grey) to the brake pad coating. Please discard bulletin 98-T-15.

Some customers may comment on repeat excessive rear disc brake grind/growl or squeak/squeal noise and/or pulsation during slow speed braking.

During brake application, brake noises may be caused by vibration of brake components and/or contact between the disc brake pad and rotor. Some intermittent brake noises are normal. The rear disc brake pads (P/N 21012052) used on 1991-1998 Saturn S-Series vehicles built up to and including VIN WZ223951 may make some brake noise.

In high corrosion areas of the country, semi-metallic pads, interacting with the rear rotor, may contribute to the corrosion process leaving a rear disc brake pad shaped "footprint" on the rotor. This "footprint" may cause rear disc brake pulsation.

In addition, the pulsation may be caused by thickness variation worn into the rotor by the disc brake pads. The new disc brake pads, installed on 1998 vehicles built after VIN WZ223951, cause less rotor thickness variation as a result of wear.

Important: Always replace disc brake pads as complete axle sets.

Replace rear disc brake pads with new non-asbestos organic rear disc brake pads (P/N 21013126), according to the "Rear Pads Removal and Installation" procedures in the Rear Disc Brakes section of the 1991-1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, or 1998 Saturn S-Series Brakes Service Manual.

The new rear disc brake pads can be used on all 1991-1998 Saturn S-Series vehicles equipped with rear disc brakes (RPO JL9) as the rear disc brake rotor composition did not change.

To receive credit for this repair during the warranty coverage period, submit a claim through the Saturn Dealer System for H0043 (Replace Rear Disc Brake Pads), or if another procedure is performed, refer to the appropriate Electronic Labor Time Guide for the correct Labor Operation Code and Time.