CHEVROLET SUBURBAN 1999 8.G Owners Manual

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6-31
So, it isn't a good idea to ªtop offº your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won't correct a leak. If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you'll have too much
fluid when you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid, as necessary, only when work is
done on the brake hydraulic system.
CAUTION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on
the engine. The fluid will burn if the engine is
hot enough. You or others could be burned,
and your vehicle could be damaged. Add brake
fluid only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See ªPeriodic Maintenance
Inspectionsº in the Index.Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above MIN. If it isn't, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the MIN but not over the
MAX mark.

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6-32
What to Add
When you do need brake fluid, use only DOT
-3 brake
fluid. Refer to ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº
in the Index. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap and the area
around the cap before removing it. This will help keep
dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example, just a few
drops of mineral
-based oil, such as engine
oil, in your brake system can damage brake
system parts so badly that they'll have to be
replaced. Don't let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.

If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle's
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake fluid
on your vehicle. If you do, wash it off
immediately. See ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

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6-33 Brake Wear
Your vehicle has front disc brakes and rear drum brakes.
Disc brake pads have built
-in wear indicators that
make a high
-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound may
come and go or be heard all the time your vehicle is
moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
CAUTION:
The brake wear warning sound means that soon
your brakes won't work well. That could lead to
an accident. When you hear the brake wear
warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
NOTICE:
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Properly torqued wheel nuts are necessary to help
prevent brake pulsation. When tires are rotated, inspect
brake pads for wear and evenly torque wheel nuts in the
proper sequence to GM specifications.
Your rear drum brakes don't have wear indicators, but if
you ever hear a rear brake rubbing noise, have the rear
brake linings inspected immediately. Also, the rear
brake drums should be removed and inspected each time
the tires are removed for rotation or changing. When
you have the front brake pads replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
See ªBrake System Inspectionº in Section 7 of this manual
under Part C ªPeriodic Maintenance Inspections.º
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.

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6-34 Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Your vehicle was designed and tested with top
-quality
GM brake parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved GM replacement parts. If you
don't, your brakes may no longer work properly. For
example, if someone puts in brake linings that are wrong
for your vehicle, the balance between your front and
rear brakes can change
-- for the worse. The braking
performance you've come to expect can change in many
other ways if someone puts in the wrong replacement
brake parts.
Fluid Leak Check
After the vehicle has been parked for awhile, inspect the
surface under the vehicle for water, oil, fuel or other
fluids. Water dripping from the air conditioning system
after it has been used is normal. If you notice fuel leaks
or fumes, the causes should be found and corrected
at once.
Battery
Your new vehicle comes with an ACDelco Freedom

battery. When it's time for a new battery, we recommend
an ACDelco Freedom battery. Get one that has the
replacement number shown on the original
battery's label.
Vehicle Storage
If you're not going to drive your vehicle for 25 days or
more, remove the black, negative (
-) cable from the
battery. This will help keep your battery from
running down.

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6-35
CAUTION:
Batteries have acid that can burn you and gas
that can explode. You can be badly hurt if you
aren't careful. See ªJump Startingº in the Index
for tips on working around a battery without
getting hurt.
Contact your dealer to learn how to prepare your vehicle
for longer storage periods.
Also, for your audio system, see ªTheft
-Deterrent
Featureº in the Index.
Bulb Replacement
Before you replace any bulbs, be sure that all the lamps
are off and the engine isn't running. For the proper bulb
type, see ªReplacement Bulbsº in the Index.
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your GM dealer's service department.
Halogen Bulbs
CAUTION:
Halogen bulbs have pressurized gas inside and
can burst if you drop or scratch the bulb. You or
others could be injured. Be sure to read and
follow the instructions on the bulb package.

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6-36 Headlamps
Sealed Beam Headlamps
1. Remove the four
screws from the
headlamp retainer.
2. Pull the headlamp out and remove the retainer.
3. Unplug and remove
the headlamp.
4. Plug in the new headlamp and put it in place.
5. Install the retainer to the headlamp and tighten
the screws.

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6-37
Composite Headlamps
1. Remove the two hex head pins at the top of the
radiator support, as shown.
2. Pull the headlamp lens assembly out.
3. Unplug the
electrical connector.
4. Turn the bulb counterclockwise and remove it.
5. Put the new bulb into the lens assembly and turn it
clockwise until it is tight.
6. Plug in the electrical connector.
7. Put the headlamp lens assembly back into the
vehicle. Install and tighten the two hex head pins.

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6-38 Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps with
Sealed Beam Headlamps
1. Remove the two screws
at the inside edge of
the parking/turn signal
lamp assembly.
2. Remove the lamp assembly by swinging it out from
the inside edge and sliding it out at the outside edge.
3. Squeeze the tab on the
side of the lamp socket
while turning the socket
counterclockwise.
4. Pull the socket out of the lamp assembly.
5. Push in gently on the bulb, turn it counterclockwise
and remove it from the socket.
6. Put the new bulb into the socket, gently press in on
the bulb and turn it clockwise until it is tight.
7. Put the socket back into the lamp assembly and turn
it clockwise until it locks.
8. Put the parking/turn signal lamp assembly back into
the vehicle and tighten the screws.

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6-39 Front Parking/Turn Signal Lamps with
Composite Headlamps
1. Remove the four screws
and take out the
parking/turn signal
lamp assembly.
2. Squeeze the tab on the side of the lamp socket while
turning the socket counterclockwise.
3. Pull the socket out of the
lamp assembly.
4. Push in gently on the bulb, turn it counterclockwise
and remove it from the socket.
5. Put the new bulb into the socket, gently press in on
the bulb and turn it clockwise until it is tight.
6. Put the socket back into the lamp assembly and turn
it clockwise until it locks.
7. Put the parking/turn signal lamp assembly back into
the vehicle and tighten the four screws.

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6-40 Sidemarker Lamps with Sealed Beam and
Composite Headlamps
1. Remove the four screws
and pull out the
parking/turn signal
lamp assembly.
2. Reach through the opening and turn the sidemarker
bulb socket counterclockwise and remove it.
3. Pull the bulb straight out
of the socket.
4. Put a new bulb into the socket and push it in until it
is tight.
5. Put the socket back into the sidemarker assembly
and turn it clockwise to tighten it.
6. Replace the parking/turn signal lamp assembly and
tighten the screws.