brakes CHEVROLET CAMARO 1982 Repair Guide

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 119
1. Raise and support the car. Remove the wheel.
2. Remove the caliper by referring to
the Rear Caliper Removal procedure. Pull
the brake disc from the axle.
3. To install, place the rotor ont o the spindle and install caliper.
4. Install the wheel and lower the car.
INSPECTION
1. Raise and support the car. Remove the wheel. Replace wheel nuts to hold rotor in place.
2. Check the rotor surface for wear, sco ring, grooves or rust pitting. Rotor
damage can be corrected by refacing, cons ult your local garage or machine
shop. If the damage exceeds the minimu m thickness, which is stamped on
the rotor, replace the rotor.
3. Using a dial indicator, check the ro tor parallelism at several points around
the circumference. The difference must not vary more than 0.0005 in.
(0.013mm). Make all measur ements at the same distance in from the edge
of the rotor.
4. Using the same dial indicator, meas ure the rotor runout. The runout should
not exceed 0.004 in. (0.10mm).
5. If any of these conditions are not me t, reface or replace the rotor.
PARKING BRAKES

CABLES
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
FRONT CABLE

Fig. 1: Lever and front cable

1. Raise the car and support it with jackstands.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 120
2. Remove the adjusting
nut at the equalizer.
3. Remove the spring retainer clip from the bracket.
4. Lower the car. Remove the upper console cover and lower console rear
screws.
5. Lift the rear of the lower console for access to the cable retainer at the hand
lever.
6. Remove the cable retainer pin, cable retainer, then the cable.
To install:
7. Position the cable retainer pin, cable retainer, then the cable.
8. Install the upper console cover and lo wer console rear screws. Raise the car
and support it with jackstands.
9. Install the spring retainer clip from the bracket.
10. Install the adjusting nut at the equalizer.
11. Adjust the parking br ake. Lower the car.
REAR CABLE
DRUM BRAKES

Fig. 2: Rear cables
CAUTION - Brake shoes may contain asbest os, which has been determined to
be a cancer causing agent. Never clean the brake surfaces with compressed

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 121
air! Avoid inhaling any dust from any
brake surface! When cleaning brake
surfaces, use a commercially available brake cleaning fluid.
1. Raise the car and support it with jackstands.
2. Loosen the adjusting nut at the equalizer.
3. Disengage the rear cabl e at the connector.
4. Remove the wheel assembly and brake drum.
5. Bend the retainer fingers.
6. Disengage the cable at the brake shoe operating lever.
To install:
7. Engage the cable at the brake shoe operating lever.
8. Bend the retainer fingers.
9. Install the wheel a ssembly and brake drum.
10. Engage the rear cabl e at the connector.
11. Adjust the parking brake by t he adjusting nut at the equalizer.
12. Lower the car.
DISC BRAKES
1. Raise the car and support it with jackstands.
2. Loosen the adjusting nut at the equalizer.
3. Disengage the cable at the connector.
4. Push forward on the caliper parking brak e apply lever. This allows the cable
to be removed from the tang. Then, release the lever.
5. Pull on the caliper parki ng brake apply lever to engage the cable to the tang.
6. Engage the cable at the connector.
7. Adjust the parking brake cable by the adjusting nut at the equalizer.
8. Apply the parking brake 3 times with heavy pressure and repeat adjustment.
9. Lower the car.
ADJUSTMENT
The parking brake cable is adjustable only on 1982-89 vehicles. All 1990-92
vehicles feature a self- adjusting parking brake.
REAR DRUM BRAKES
1. Depress the parking brake leve r exactly two ratchet clicks.
2. Raise the rear of the vehicl e and support safely with jackstands.
3. Tighten the brake cable adjusting nut until the left rear wheel can be turned
rearward with both hands, but locks when forward rotation is attempted. \

4. Release the parking brake le ver; both rear wheels must turn freely in either
direction without brake drag.
5. Lower the vehicle.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 122
REAR DISC BRAKES

Fig. 3: Free trav el adjustment; 1990-92

Fig. 4: Fabricated cable retainer compressing tool
1. Apply the brake pedal 3 times with a pedal force of approximately 175 lbs.
(778 N). Apply and release t he parking brake 3 times.
2. Raise and safely support the vehicle.
3. Check the parking brake lever for full release: a. Turn the ignition ON.
b. The brake warning light should be OFF. If the brake warning light is still
ON and the parking brake lever is comple tely released, pull downward on
the front parking brake cable to remove slack from the lever assembly.
c. Turn the ignition switch OFF.
4. Remove the rear wheels and tires. Reinstall 2 wheel nuts on each side to
retain the brake rotors.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 123
5. Pull the parking lever 4 clicks. T
he parking brake levers on both calipers
should be against the lever stops on the caliper housings. If the levers are
not against the stops, check for binding in the rear cables and/or loosen the
cables at the equalizer nut until both left and right levers are against their
stops.
6. Adjust the equalizer adjusting nut unt il the parking brake levers on both
calipers just begin to mo ve off their stops.
7. Back off the adjuster nut until the le vers move back, barely touching their
stops.
8. Operate the parking brak e lever several times to check adjustment. After
cable adjustment, the parking brake le ver should travel no more than 14
ratchet clicks. The rear wheels shoul d not turn forward when the parking
brake lever is applied 8-16 ratchet clicks.
9. Release the parking brake lever. Both rear whee ls must turn freely in both
directions. The parking brake levers on both calipers should be resting on
their stops.
10. Remove the wheel nuts retaining t he rotors. Install the wheel and tire
assemblies.
11. Lower the vehicle.
PARKING BRAKE FREE-TRAVEL
ADJUSTMENT
1989-92 MODELS
REAR DISC BRAKES
Disc brake pads must be new or parallel to within 0.006 in. (0.15mm). Parking
brake adjustment is not valid wit h heavily tapered pads and may cause
caliper/parking brake binding. Replace tapered brak e pads. Parking brake free-
travel should only be made if the caliper has been taken apart. This adjustment
will not correct a condition where the caliper levers will not return to their stops.
1. Have an assistant apply a light brake pedal load, enough to stop the rotor
from turning by hand. This takes up all clearances and ensures that
components are correctly aligned.
2. Apply light pressure to the caliper lever.
3. Measure the free-travel between t he caliper lever and the caliper housing.
The free-travel must be 0.0024-0.028 in. (0.6-0.7mm).
4. If the free-travel is incorrect, do the following: a. Remove the adjuster screw.
b. Clean the thread adhesive re sidue from the threads.
c. Coat the threads with adhesive.
d. Screw in the adjuster screw far enough to obtain 0.024-0.028 in. (0.6-
0.7mm) free-travel between the caliper lever and the caliper housing.
5. Have an assistant release the brak e pedal, then apply the brake pedal firmly
3 times. Recheck the free-travel and adjust as necessary.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 732
MINIMUM IDLE AND THROTTL
E VALVE SYNCHRONIZING
The throttle position of each throttle body must be balanced so that the throttle
plates are synchronized and open si multaneously. These adjustment
procedures must be followed AFTER performing the "Preliminary Adjustments".
1. Remove the air cleaner and plug the vacuum port on the rear TBI unit for
the thermostatic air cleaner.
2. Remove the tamper resistant pl ugs covering both unit throttle stop
screws, if necessary.
3. Block the drive wheels and apply the parking brake.
4. Connect a tachometer to measure rpm.
5. Start the engine and allo w the engine rpm to stabilize at normal operating
temperature.
6. Have a helper apply the brakes and place the transmission in DRIVE.
7. Plug the idle air pass ages of each throttle body with plugs (J-33047 or
equivalent). Make sure the plugs are seated fully in the passage so that
no air leaks exist. The engine rpm should decrease below curb idle
speed. If the engine rpm does not decreas e, check for a vacuum leak.
8. Remove the cap from the ported tube on the rear TBI unit and connect a
vacuum gauge or water manometer.
9. Adjust the rear unit throttle stop screw to obtain approximately
1/2 in. Hg
as read on the vacuum gauge, or 6 in. H
2O as read on the manometer. If
not able to adjust to this level, check that the front unit throttle stop is not
limiting throttle travel.
10. Remove the vacuum gauge or manometer from t he rear unit and install
the cap on the port ed vacuum tube.
11. Remove the cap from the ported va cuum tube on the front TBI unit and
install the gauge or manomet er as before. If the reading is not the same
as the rear unit, proceed as follows: a. Locate the throttle synchronizing screw and collar on the front TBI
unit. The screw may be welded to discourage tampering with this
adjustment. Break the weld, if ne cessary, and install a new screw
with a thread seali ng compound applied.
b. Adjust the screw to obtain approximately
1/2 in. Hg as read on the
vacuum gauge, or 6 in. H
2O on the manometer.
12. Remove the gauge or manometer fr om the ported tube and reinstall the
cap.
13. Adjust the rear throttle stop screw to obtain 475 rpm, with the
transmission in D and the parking brake applied. On manual
transmission models, leave the gear selector in N.
14. Turn the ignition OFF and pl ace automatic transmission in N.
15. Remove idle air passage plugs.
16. Start the engine. It may run at a high rpm but the engine speed should
decrease when the idle air control va lves close the air passages. Stop
the engine when the rpm decreases.
17. The throttle position sensor (TPS) voltage should be checked and adjusted, if necessary.
18. Connect the vacuum line to the TBI unit and install the air cleaner.
19. Reset the idle speed control motors by driving the vehicle to 45 mph.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 760
GENERAL INFORMATION & MAINTENANCE

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION
The introductory part of this repair gui de is intended to help you learn more
about the inner workings of your Camaro while saving you money on its upkeep
and operation.
The beginning of the repair guide will likely be referred to the most, since that is
where you will find information for maintenance and tune-up. The other
information deals with the more complex systems of your vehicle. Systems
(from engine through brakes) are covered to the extent that the average do-it-
yourselfer can attempt. This repair guide will not explain such things as
rebuilding a differential because the ex pertise required and the special tools
necessary make this uneconomical. It will, however, give you detailed
instructions to help you change your own brake pads and shoes, replace spark
plugs, and perform many more jobs that can save you money and help avoid
expensive problems.
A secondary purpose of this repair guide is a reference for owners who want to
understand their vehicle and/or their mechanics better.
WHERE TO BEGIN
Before removing any bolts, read through t he entire procedure. This will give you
the overall view of what tools and supplies will be required. So read ahead and
plan ahead. Each operation should be approached logically and all procedures
thoroughly understood before attempting any work.
If repair of a component is not considered practical, we tell you how to remove
the part and then how to insta ll the new or rebuilt replacement. In this way, you
at least save labor costs.
AVOIDING TROUBLE
Many procedures in this repair guide r equire you to "label and disconnect ..." a
group of lines, hoses or wires. Don't be think you can remember where
everything goes - you won't. If you hook up va cuum or fuel lines incorrectly, the
vehicle may run poorly, if at all. If you hook up electrical wiring incorrectly, you
may instantly learn a very expensive lesson.
You don't need to know the proper name for each hose or line. A piece of
masking tape on the hose and a piece on its fitting will allow you to assign your
own label. As long as you remember your own code, the lines can be
reconnected by matching your tags. Re member that tape will dissolve in
gasoline or solvents; if a part is to be washed or cleaned, use another method
of identification. A permanent felt-tipped marker or a metal scribe can be very
handy for marking metal parts. Remove any tape or paper labels after
assembly.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 811
CAUTION
- NEVER hook the batteries up in a series circuit or the entire
electrical system will go up in smoke, including the starter!
Vehicles equipped with a diesel engine may utilize two 12 volt batteries. If so,
the batteries are connected in a parallel circuit (positive terminal to positive
terminal, negative terminal to negative te rminal). Hooking the batteries up in
parallel circuit increases battery cranki ng power without increasing total battery
voltage output. Output remains at 12 vo lts. On the other hand, hooking two 12
volt batteries up in a series circuit (positive terminal to negative terminal,
positive terminal to negative terminal) incr eases total battery output to 24 volts
(12 volts plus 12 volts).
JUMP STARTING PRECAUTIONS
• Be sure that both batteries are of t he same voltage. Vehicles covered by
this information and most vehicles on the road today utilize a 12 volt
charging system.
• Be sure that both batteries are of the same polarity (have the same
terminal, in most cases NEGATIVE grounded).
• Be sure that the vehicles are not touching or a short could occur.
• On serviceable batteries, be sure the v ent cap holes are not obstructed.
• Do not smoke or allow sparks anywhere near the batteries.
• In cold weather, make sure the battery electrolyte is not frozen. This can
occur more readily in a battery that has been in a state of discharge.
• Do not allow electrolyte to c ontact your skin or clothing.
JUMP STARTING PROCEDURE 1. Make sure that the voltages of the 2 batteries are the same. Most
batteries and charging systems are of the 12 volt variety.
2. Pull the jumping vehicle (with t he good battery) into a position so the
jumper cables can reach the dead battery and that vehicle's engine.
Make sure that the ve hicles do NOT touch.
3. Place the transmissions of both vehicles in Neutral (MT) or P (AT), as
applicable, then firmly set their parking brakes.
If necessary for safety reasons, the hazard lights on both vehicles may be
operated throughout the entir e procedure without significantly increasing the
difficulty of jumping the dead battery.
4. Turn all lights and accessories OFF on both vehicles. Make sure the ignition switches on both vehicles are turned to the OFF position.
5. Cover the battery cell caps with a rag, but do not cover the terminals.
6. Make sure the terminals on both batte ries are clean and free of corrosion
or proper electrical connection wil l be impeded. If necessary, clean the
battery terminals before proceeding.
7. Identify the positive (+) and negat ive (-) terminals on both batteries.
8. Connect the first jumper cable to the positive (+) terminal of the dead
battery, then connect the other end of that cable to the positive (+)
terminal of the booster (good) battery.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 819
INSPECTION
Inspect the tires for lacerations, puncture
marks, nails and other sharp objects.
Repair or replace as necessary. Also check the tires for treadwear and air
pressure as outlined in General Information & Maintenance of this repair guide.
Check the wheel assemblies for dents, crac ks, rust and metal fatigue. Repair or
replace as necessary.
WHEEL LUG STUDS
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
WITH DISC BRAKES
1. Raise and support the appropriate end of the vehicle safely using
jackstands, then remove the wheel.
2. Remove the brake pads and caliper. Support the caliper aside using wire
or a coat hanger. For details, please re fer to Brakes of this repair guide.
3. Remove the outer w heel bearing and lift off the rotor. For details on
wheel bearing removal, installation and adjustment, please refer to
General Information & Maintenan ce of this repair guide.
4. Properly support the rotor using pre ss bars, then drive the stud out using
an arbor press.
If a press is not available, CAREFULLY drive the old stud out using a blunt drift.
MAKE SURE the rotor is properly and ev enly supported or it may be damaged.

Fig. 1: View of the rotor and stud assembly

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 821
If a press is not availabl
e, start the lug stud through the bore in the hub, then
position about 4 flat washers over t he stud and thread the lug nut. Hold the
hub/rotor while tightening the lug nut, and the stud should be drawn into
position. MAKE SURE THE STUD IS FU LLY SEATED, then remove the lug nut
and washers.
7. Install the rotor and adjust the wheel bearings.
8. Install the brake caliper and pads.
9. Install the wheel, then remove the jackstands and carefully lower the
vehicle.
10. Tighten the lug nuts to the proper torque.
WITH DRUM BRAKES 1. Raise the vehicle and safely su pport it with jackstands, then remove the
wheel.
2. Remove the brake drum.
3. If necessary to provide clearance, re move the brake shoes, as outlined in
Brakes of this repair guide.

Fig. 4: Exploded view of t he drum, axle flange and stud