CHEVROLET ASTRO 1999 Owners Manual

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6-35
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.
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 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.
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.

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6-36 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.
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
For any bulb changing procedure not listed in this
section, contact your GM dealer service department.
Before replacing any bulbs, make sure all lamps are off
and the vehicle is not running. See ªReplacement Bulbsº
in the Index.
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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6-37 Headlamps
Sealed Beam Lamps
1. Remove the four retainer
screws and the retainer.
2. Pull the connector out
and unplug the lamp.
3. Plug the new lamp into the connector.
4. Reverse Steps 1 and 2 to reinstall the headlamp.

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Composite Headlamps
1. Open the hood.
2. Remove the two screws
from the sidemarker/turn
signal lamp.
3. Completely remove the sidemarker/turn signal lamp
by pulling out the assembly and disconnecting the
sidemarker/turn signal lamp sockets from the lamp.

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6-39
4. Remove the screw
located behind the
corner reflector to
remove the entire
corner reflector.
5. Remove the remaining three screws; the first one
from the corner reflector pocket and the two
remaining from the composite assembly.

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6-40
6. Remove the
composite assembly.
7. Turn the halogen
bulb counterclockwise
to remove from
the assembly.
8. Install the new bulb into the composite assembly by
turning it clockwise until it is completely tightened.
9. Replace the composite assembly by installing and
tightening all of the screws previously removed.Front Turn Signal Lamps
1. Remove the two screws at the inside edge of the
parking/turn signal lamp assembly.
2. Remove the
lamp assembly.
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. Pull the bulb from the socket.
6. Gently push the new bulb into the socket.
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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6-41 Taillamps
1. Open the rear door.
2. Remove the two screws
from behind the door.
3. Pull out the taillamp assembly so you can see
the socket.

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6-42
4. Press the tab and turn
the socket
counterclockwise to
remove the socket from
the bezel.
If the socket does not
have a tab, turn the
socket counterclockwise
to remove the socket
from the bezel.
5. Reverse Steps 1 through 4 to reinstall the taillamp.Windshield Wiper Blade
Replacement
Windshield wiper blades should be inspected at least
twice a year for wear and cracking. See ªWiper Blade
Checkº in Section 7 of this manual under Part B ªOwner
Checks and Servicesº for more information.
To replace your windshield
wiper blade inserts, lift the
wiper arm away from
the windshield.
Pinch the two tabs on the wiper arm and slide the insert
out of the blade. Slide the new one in place. Make sure
the tabs are locked into position. See ªNormal
Maintenance Replacement Partsº in the Index for the
proper type of replacement blade.

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6-43
Tires
Your new vehicle comes with high-quality tires made by
a leading tire manufacturer. If you ever have questions
about your tire warranty and where to obtain service, see
your GM Warranty booklet for details.
CAUTION:
Poorly maintained and improperly used tires
are dangerous.

Overloading your tires can cause
overheating as a result of too much friction.
You could have an air
-out and a serious
accident. See ªLoading Your Vehicleº in
the Index.
CAUTION: (Continued)
CAUTION: (Continued)

Underinflated tires pose the same danger as
overloaded tires. The resulting accident
could cause serious injury. Check all tires
frequently to maintain the recommended
pressure. Tire pressure should be checked
when your tires are cold.

Overinflated tires are more likely to be cut,
punctured or broken by a sudden
impact
-- such as when you hit a pothole.
Keep tires at the recommended pressure.

Worn, old tires can cause accidents. If your
tread is badly worn, or if your tires have
been damaged, replace them.

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6-44 Inflation -- Tire Pressure
The Certification/Tire label, which is on the rear edge of
the driver's door, shows the correct inflation pressures
for your tires when they're cold. ªColdº means your
vehicle has been sitting for at least three hours or driven
no more than 1 mile (1.6 km).
NOTICE:
Don't let anyone tell you that underinflation or
overinflation is all right. It's not. If your tires
don't have enough air (underinflation), you can
get the following:

Too much flexing

Too much heat

Tire overloading

Bad wear

Bad handling

Bad fuel economy.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)
If your tires have too much air (overinflation),
you can get the following:

Unusual wear

Bad handling

Rough ride

Needless damage from road hazards.
When to Check
Check your tires once a month or more.
Don't forget your compact spare tire. It should be at
60 psi (420 kPa).
How to Check
Use a good quality pocket
-type gage to check tire
pressure. You can't tell if your tires are properly inflated
simply by looking at them. Radial tires may look
properly inflated even when they're underinflated.
Be sure to put the valve caps back on the valve stems.
They help prevent leaks by keeping out dirt
and moisture.