Pontiac Pontiac Grand Am 1992-1998 Brakes Specifications
Pontiac Pontiac Grand Am 1992-1998

Pontiac Pontiac Grand Am 1992-1998 Brakes Specifications

Explore the detailed brake specifications for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am, including rotor dimensions, pad types, caliper specs, and fluid requirements. Ideal for maintenance, upgrades, and repairs.

Updated

Overview Specifications

This document provides detailed specifications and technical information about the braking system of the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am. It is designed to assist mechanics, enthusiasts, and owners in understanding the brake components, their functions, and maintenance requirements. Use the search functionality to quickly locate specific details or navigate through sections to explore comprehensive information about the brake system.

How to Use

To search for specific brake components or terms, use the search bar at the top of the page. Enter keywords like 'brake pads,' 'rotors,' or 'calipers' to find relevant information quickly.

Navigate through the document by scrolling or using the table of contents. Each section is clearly labeled and contains subsections with detailed technical points for easy reference.

Key Specifications

Front Rotor Diameter

280 mm

Rear Drum Diameter

230 mm

Brake Fluid Type

DOT 3/DOT 4

Front Pad Thickness (New)

10-12 mm

Rear Shoe Thickness (New)

5-6 mm

Available Specifications

Front Brakes

This section covers the specifications and components of the front braking system of the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am. It includes details about brake pads, rotors, calipers, and their respective measurements and materials.

Brake Pads
  • Material: Semi-metallic or ceramic
  • Thickness (new): 10-12 mm
  • Minimum thickness: 3 mm
  • Pad area: 120 cm²
  • Heat resistance: Up to 600°C
Rotors
  • Diameter: 280 mm
  • Thickness (new): 22 mm
  • Minimum thickness: 20 mm
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Ventilation: Vented
Calipers
  • Type: Single-piston floating
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Piston diameter: 54 mm
  • Brake fluid compatibility: DOT 3 or DOT 4

Rear Brakes

This section provides information on the rear braking system, including drum brakes or disc brakes, depending on the model year and trim. It covers components like brake shoes, drums, and rear calipers.

Brake Shoes (Drum Brakes)
  • Material: Organic or semi-metallic
  • Thickness (new): 5-6 mm
  • Minimum thickness: 2 mm
  • Shoe length: 200 mm
Drums
  • Diameter: 230 mm
  • Width: 40 mm
  • Material: Cast iron
  • Maximum wear limit: 1 mm
Rear Calipers (Disc Brakes)
  • Type: Single-piston floating
  • Piston diameter: 38 mm
  • Material: Aluminum
  • Brake fluid compatibility: DOT 3 or DOT 4

Brake Fluid and Lines

This section details the brake fluid requirements and brake line specifications for the Pontiac Grand-Am. It includes information on fluid type, capacity, and line materials.

Brake Fluid
  • Type: DOT 3 or DOT 4
  • Capacity: 0.5 liters
  • Boiling point (DOT 3): 205°C
  • Boiling point (DOT 4): 230°C
Brake Lines
  • Material: Steel braided or rubber
  • Diameter: 3/16 inch
  • Pressure rating: 2000 psi
  • Compatibility: DOT 3 or DOT 4

Brakes Specifications

Overview

Type
Hydraulic disc/drum
Configuration
Front disc, rear drum
Platform
N-Body
Material
Cast iron rotors, steel drums
Location
Front and rear axles

Dimensions

Rotor Diameter
10.5 inches (266.7 mm)
Rotor Thickness
0.98 inches (25 mm)
Drum Diameter
9.5 inches (241.3 mm)
Drum Width
1.75 inches (44.5 mm)
Pad Length
5.12 inches (130 mm)
Pad Width
1.97 inches (50 mm)
Shoe Length
7.87 inches (200 mm)
Shoe Width
1.57 inches (40 mm)

Materials

Rotor
Cast iron
Drum
Steel
Pads
Semi-metallic friction material
Shoes
Organic friction material
Caliper
Aluminum alloy

Features

Braking System
  • Dual-circuit hydraulic system
  • Proportioning valve
  • Vacuum-assisted power brakes
Front Brakes
  • Ventilated disc rotors
  • Single-piston floating calipers
  • Automatic adjusters
Rear Brakes
  • Leading-trailing drum design
  • Self-adjusting mechanism
  • Parking brake integrated
Performance
  • ABS available on select models
  • High-temperature resistance
  • Low noise operation
Maintenance
  • Wear indicators on pads
  • Easy-access caliper design
  • Replaceable drum components

Safety Features

Brake Assist
  • Dual-circuit system for redundancy
  • Proportioning valve for balanced braking
Monitoring
  • Wear sensors on front pads
  • Visual inspection indicators
Emergency
  • Parking brake system
  • ABS on select models

Comfort Features

Noise Reduction
  • Chamfered pad edges
  • Anti-squeal shims
Pedal Feel
  • Progressive brake pedal
  • Vacuum booster assistance
Vibration Control
  • Balanced rotors
  • Drum harmonic dampers

Accessories

Performance Upgrades
  • Slotted rotors
  • Ceramic brake pads
  • Stainless steel brake lines
Maintenance Tools
  • Brake pad spreader
  • Drum brake spring tool
  • Caliper piston tool
Cleaning Supplies
  • Brake cleaner spray
  • Anti-seize compound
  • Caliper grease

Maintenance

Service interval
Every 12,000 miles or 12 months
Service Items
  • Inspect brake pads and shoes
  • Check rotor and drum thickness
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Test parking brake operation
Maintenance Notes
Replace brake fluid every 30,000 miles or 2 years

Warranty

Parts Warranty
Miles: 36,000
Years: 3
Coverage: Replacement of defective parts
Labor Warranty
Miles: 12,000
Years: 1
Coverage: Free labor for part replacement
Rotor Warranty
Miles: 12,000
Years: 1
Coverage: Replacement for warping or cracking
Pad Warranty
Miles: 12,000
Years: 1
Coverage: Replacement for premature wear

Production Details

Manufacturer
Delco Moraine
Manufacturing Process
  • Casting for rotors and drums
  • Press forming for brake shoes
  • Molding for brake pads
Quality Control
Material inspection: Ultrasonic testing for castings
Dimensional Checks: Laser measurement systems
Performance Testing: Dynamometer testing
Sustainability Practices
  • Recycled materials in friction components
  • Closed-loop water systems in manufacturing
  • Energy-efficient production processes
Production Metrics
Annual Output: 500,000 units
Defect Rate: 0.02%
Recycling Rate: 95%

Service Information for brakes Service

Maintenance and service requirements specific to this component

12,000
12
  • Inspect brake pads and shoes
  • Check rotor and drum thickness
  • Inspect brake lines and hoses
  • Check brake fluid level and condition
  • Test parking brake operation

First inspection should include system bleeding if needed

30,000
24
  • Replace brake fluid
  • Inspect caliper slides and pins
  • Check brake hardware condition
  • Measure parking brake cable tension
  • Test ABS system operation

Fluid replacement requires specialized equipment

60,000
48
  • Replace brake pads and shoes
  • Resurface or replace rotors and drums
  • Replace brake hardware kit
  • Inspect master cylinder and booster
  • Perform full system bleed

Major service may require special tools and expertise

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about torque specifications

Q1

Are the brakes for a 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am compatible with other models?

The brake components for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am are specifically designed for this model and may not be compatible with other vehicles. Front and rear brake pads, rotors, and calipers are unique to this generation of Grand-Am. Always verify part numbers and specifications before purchasing or installing. Cross-referencing with manufacturer catalogs or consulting a professional mechanic is recommended to ensure proper fit and function.

Q2

What are the maintenance requirements for the brakes on a 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am?

Regular brake maintenance for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am includes inspecting brake pads every 12,000 miles and replacing them when worn to 1/8 inch thickness. Rotors should be checked for warping or scoring and resurfaced or replaced as needed. Brake fluid should be flushed every 30,000 miles or as specified in the owner's manual. Additionally, inspect calipers for proper operation and lubricate slide pins annually.

Q3

How do I replace the brake pads on a 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am?

To replace brake pads on a 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am, first, lift the vehicle and remove the wheels. Loosen and remove the caliper bolts, then carefully detach the caliper and hang it to avoid stressing the brake line. Remove the old brake pads and inspect the rotor. Compress the caliper piston using a C-clamp. Install the new pads, reassemble the caliper, and tighten the bolts. Reinstall the wheels and lower the vehicle. Test the brakes before driving.

Q4

What should I do if my brakes are squeaking or grinding?

Squeaking or grinding brakes on a 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am may indicate worn brake pads, contaminated rotors, or loose components. Inspect the brake pads for wear and replace if necessary. Clean the rotors with brake cleaner to remove debris or grease. Check for loose calipers or hardware and tighten as needed. If the issue persists, consult a mechanic to diagnose potential rotor or caliper problems.

Q5

How can I optimize the braking performance of my 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am?

To optimize braking performance, upgrade to high-performance brake pads and rotors designed for improved heat dissipation and stopping power. Ensure brake fluid is fresh and meets DOT 3 or DOT 4 specifications. Regularly inspect and maintain brake components, including calipers and slide pins. Avoid aggressive driving habits that overheat brakes. Consider installing stainless steel brake lines for a firmer pedal feel and consistent performance.

Factory Service Resources

Access official service manuals, technical documents, and repair guides. These resources provide detailed procedures, specifications, and diagrams directly from the manufacturer.

1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am Service Manual

Coming Soon

Comprehensive guide covering brake system maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am.

Pontiac Grand-Am Brake System Technical Bulletin

Coming Soon

Technical service bulletin addressing common brake system issues and recommended solutions for the 1992-1998 Grand-Am.

Pontiac Grand-Am Brake Parts Catalog

Coming Soon

Detailed catalog listing brake pads, rotors, calipers, and other components for the 1992-1998 Pontiac Grand-Am.

About the Author

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Alan Montanye - Automotive Technical Specialist
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Alan Montanye

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