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Brake Repair Information on Brake Rotors with a New Rust Preventative Coating

Subject:Service Information on Coated Brake Rotors

Models:1995 Saturns built after and including SZ297173 with base brakes, SZ301465 ABS brakes (only front rotors coated), and SZ302457 with ABS brakes (front and rear rotors coated).



Purpose

This bulletin provides technicians with brake repair information on brake rotors with a new rust preventive coating.

A rust preventative coating will be applied to both front brake rotors on all Saturns and rear brake rotors on Saturns with rear disc brakes built after the above mentioned VIN ranges. This rust preventative coating will help prevent rust and/or corrosion of new brake rotors on Saturns during shipment and while they are awaiting delivery to customers. The rust preventive coating will wear off of the braking surfaces of the brake rotor during the first 805 to 1287 km (500 to 800 miles). However, the rust preventative coating will continue to provide corrosion protection on the non-braking surfaces of the brake rotor.

Service will release brake rotors with the rust preventative coating. The estimated release date is April, 1995. When servicing brake rotors coated with rust preventative, these repair procedures must be followed:

       Important: When installing new brake rotors, do not refinish the surface as these parts are at the correct level of surface finish.

    • Never machine a new coated or non-coated service replacement brake rotor.
    • Never clean a new coated service replacement brake rotor with solvent.
    • A new coated service replacement brake rotor can be used in any combination with non-coated brake rotors without affecting braking performance.
    • When installing new coated brake rotors, make sure to complete the following break-in procedure:
       - From 48-64 km/h (30-40 mph), apply brakes gently until vehicle slows nearly to a stop. Accelerate vehicle back to 48-64 km/h (30-40 mph) and drive long enough for brakes to cool (about 30-40 seconds). Repeat this procedure five times. Each time allowing sufficient time between stops for the brakes to cool.
       - Complete the break-in procedure by accelerating to 88 km/h (55 mph), then gently slowing the vehicle from 88-32 km/h (55-20 mph) four times. Allow 30-40 seconds between intervals for brakes to cool. This break-in procedure will help reduce brake noise and increase brake life and performance.

Important: When performing routine brake maintenance, rotors should not be refinished, unless there is a brake pulsation caused by the rotors or the rotors are excessively scored. Scoring of the rotor surfaces not exceeding 1.5 mm (0.0060 in.) in depth, which may result from normal use, is not detrimental to brake operation.