steering wheel GMC C-SERIES 1999 User Guide

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4-14
Loss of Control
Let's review what driving experts say about what
happens when the three control systems (brakes, steering
and acceleration) don't have enough friction where the
tires meet the road to do what the driver has asked.
In any emergency, don't give up. Keep trying to steer and
constantly seek an escape route or area of less danger.
Skidding
In a skid, a driver can lose control of the vehicle.
Defensive drivers avoid most skids by taking reasonable
care suited to existing conditions, and by not ªoverdrivingº
those conditions. But skids are always possible.
The three types of skids correspond to your vehicle's
three control systems. In the braking skid, your wheels
aren't rolling. In the steering or cornering skid, too
much speed or steering in a curve causes tires to slip and
lose cornering force. And in the acceleration skid, too
much throttle causes the driving wheels to spin.
A cornering skid and an acceleration skid are
usually best handled by easing your foot off the
accelerator pedal.Of course, traction is reduced when water, snow, ice,
gravel or other material is on the road. For safety, you'll
want to slow down and adjust your driving to these
conditions. It is important to slow down on slippery
surfaces because stopping distance will be longer and
vehicle control more limited.
While driving on a surface with reduced traction, try
your best to avoid sudden steering, acceleration or
braking (including engine braking by shifting to a lower
gear). See ªDiesel Engine Exhaust Brakeº in the Index
for information about using the exhaust brake on
slippery surfaces. Any sudden changes could cause the
tires to slide. You may not realize the surface is slippery
until your vehicle is skidding. Learn to recognize
warning clues
-- such as enough water, ice or packed
snow on the road to make a ªmirrored surfaceº
-- and
slow down when you have any doubt.
If you have the anti
-lock braking system, remember: It
helps avoid only the braking skid. If you do not have
anti
-lock, then in a braking skid (where the wheels are
no longer rolling), release enough pressure on the brakes
to get the wheels rolling again. This restores steering
control. Push the brake pedal down steadily when you
have to stop suddenly. As long as the wheels are rolling,
you will have steering control.
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4-26
Remember, unless you have anti-lock, if you brake so
hard that your wheels stop rolling, you'll just slide.
Brake so your wheels always keep rolling and you can
still steer.

Whatever your braking system, allow greater
following distance on any slippery road.

Watch for slippery spots. The road might be fine
until you hit a spot that's covered with ice. On an
otherwise clear road, ice patches may appear in
shaded areas where the sun can't reach: around
clumps of trees, behind buildings or under bridges.
Sometimes the surface of a curve or an overpass may
remain icy when the surrounding roads are clear. If
you see a patch of ice ahead of you, brake before you
are on it. Try not to brake while you're actually on
the ice, and avoid sudden steering maneuvers.If You're Caught in a Blizzard
If you are stopped by heavy snow, you could be in a
serious situation. You should probably stay with your
vehicle unless you know for sure that you are near help
and you can hike through the snow. Here are some
things to do to summon help and keep yourself and your
passengers safe:

Turn on your hazard flashers.
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5-14
After Towing
Block the rear wheels and install axle and propeller
shafts. Check for proper phasing of universal joints.
Apply the emergency brake system before disconnecting
from the towing vehicle. Check and fill the rear axle
with oil as required.
Towing Your Vehicle From the Front
(All Wheels On the Ground)
Your vehicle may be towed on all wheels provided the
steering is working. Remember that the power brakes
and power steering will not have power assist. Vehicles
with air brakes will not have brakes. There must be a
tow bar installed between the towing vehicle and the
disabled vehicle.
Before Towing
Block the wheels of the disabled vehicle. On vehicles
with air brakes, release the emergency brake system by
compressing the brake chamber springs as outlined in
this section. (Note: This is to prevent the possibility of
the emergency brake being applied during towing.)On vehicles with hydraulic brakes, release the
parking brake fully by moving the lever to the
fully
-released position.
On vehicles equipped with an electric/hydraulic parking
brake, remove the propshaft.
Disconnect the propshaft at the rear axle (forward axle
on tandem axle models). Secure the propshaft to the
frame or crossmember.
If there is damage or suspected damage to the axle(s),
remove the axle shafts. Cover the hub openings to
prevent the loss of lubricant or entry of dirt or
foreign objects.
After Towing
Block the rear wheels and install axle and propshafts.
Check for proper phasing of universal joints. Apply
the parking brake system before disconnecting from
the towing vehicle. Check and fill rear axle with oil
as required.
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5-15 Towing Your Vehicle From the Rear
(Rear Wheels Off the Ground)
Before Towing
Secure the steering wheel to maintain a straight
-ahead
position. Make certain that the front axle is not loaded
above the front axle Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR)
as indicated on the vehicle's Certification/Tire label.
After Towing
Block the rear wheels and release the steering. Apply the
parking brake system before disconnecting from the
towing vehicle.
Refer to the transmission shift label for
additional information.
Releasing Air-Operated Parking Brakes
If your vehicle has air brakes, you could have a special
towing problem. If your vehicle has to be towed because
you had a complete loss of air pressure from both
systems, the parking brakes may have applied. The tow
operator can release the brakes manually by using the
following steps. Then your vehicle can be towed with all
wheels or just the rear wheels on the ground.
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5-34
If a Tire Goes Flat
It's unusual for a tire to ªblow outº while you're driving,
especially if you maintain your tires properly. If air goes
out of a tire, it's much more likely to leak out slowly.
But if you should ever have a ªblowout,º here are a few
tips about what to expect and what to do:
If a front tire fails, the flat tire will create a drag that
pulls the vehicle toward that side. Take your foot off the
accelerator pedal and grip the steering wheel firmly.
Steer to maintain lane position, and then gently brake to
a stop well out of the traffic lane.
A rear blowout, particularly on a curve, acts much like a
skid and may require the same correction you'd use in a
skid. In any rear blowout, remove your foot from the
accelerator pedal. Get the vehicle under control by
steering the way you want the vehicle to go. It may be
very bumpy and noisy, but you can still steer. Gently
brake to a stop
-- well off the road if possible.
If a tire goes flat, the next part tells you what to do.
Changing a Flat Tire
A flat or damaged tire can be a major roadside problem.
You're very likely to have to go for help. Few drivers of
these vehicles have the necessary equipment aboard to
be able to change a flat tire safely. For example, youhave to have a truck jack that can lift several thousand
pounds and a torque wrench that can generate several
hundred foot
-pounds (newton-meters) of twisting force.
So if you're stopped somewhere by a flat or damaged
tire or wheel, you should get expert help right then.
If the correct equipment is available, though, here is the
procedure to follow.

Does the tire still seem to have air under pressure in
it? If so, stand to the side and look at the wheel. See
if it looks like another wheel on the vehicle. If so, go
on to the next step. If it doesn't, or even if you can't
be sure, stop and get expert help.
CAUTION:
Tire-rim assemblies can explode. If you work on
a pressurized tire mounted on a damaged wheel,
the assembly can expand with explosive force
without warning. You and others nearby can be
badly injured. Don't work around a tire that has
air under pressure in it when its wheel is or might
be damaged.
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5-38
NOTICE:
Spinning your wheels can destroy parts of your
vehicle as well as the tires. If you spin the wheels
too fast while shifting your transmission back
and forth, you can destroy your transmission.
Rocking Your Vehicle To Get It Out
First, turn your steering wheel left and right. That will
clear the area around your front wheels. Then shift back
and forth between REVERSE (R) and a forward gear
(or with a manual transmission, between FIRST (1) or
SECOND (2) and REVERSE (R)), spinning the wheels
as little as possible. Release the accelerator pedal while
you shift, and press lightly on the accelerator pedal
when the transmission is in gear. By slowly spinning
your wheels in the forward and reverse directions, you
will cause a rocking motion that may free your vehicle.
If that doesn't get you out after a few tries, you may
need to be towed out. If you do need to be towed out,
see ªTowing Your Vehicleº in the Index.
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6-39
ITEM NO. ITEM REMARKS
1 Brake Camshaft
, Brake Caliper
Rails (If Equipped)$One fitting each (apply sparingly). For caliper rails,
apply Aero Shell #5 Lubricant.
2 Steering Column Slip Joint* One fitting.
3 Steering Drag Link Ends One fitting at each end.
4 Steering Column U
-Joints One fitting each joint.
5 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
6 Slack Adjuster
One fitting.
7 Brake Cam Roller Pins at interface
of pin and shoe
Apply engine oil.
8 Front Steering Knuckles One fitting each side, lower bushing (hand
-operated
grease gun only). Hand
-pack upper bearing.
9 Front Wheel Bearings Hand
-pack or lubricate.
10 Steering Tie Rod Ends One fitting each end.
11 Spring Slip Pads*
(Multi
-Leaf Only)Apply chassis lubricant.
12 Clutch Release Bearing* Cup or fitting.
13 Battery Terminal
(except ªSTº type)Keep coated with petroleum jelly.
14 Parking Brake Bell Crank*$ One fitting.
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6-51 When It's Time for New Tires
Replace your tires when the tread depth is down to
1/8 of an inch (3.2 mm) for the front tires, or 1/16 of
an inch (1.6 mm) for a rear tire. Also, you need a new
tire if:

You can see cord or fabric showing through the
tire's rubber.

The tread or sidewall is cracked, cut or snagged deep
enough to show cord or fabric.

The tire has a bump, bulge or split.

The tire has a puncture, cut or other damage that
can't be repaired well because of the size or location
of the damage.
CAUTION:
Mixing tires could cause you to lose control while
driving. If you mix tires of different types
-- like
radial and bias
-belted tires -- the vehicle may not
handle properly, and you could have a crash.
Be sure to use the same type of tires all around.
When you replace tires, make sure they are the same
size, load range, speed rating and construction type
(bias, bias
-belted or radial) as your original tires.
Wheel Alignment and Tire Balance
The wheels on your vehicle were aligned at the
factory to give you the longest tire life and best
overall performance.
Proper front wheel alignment must be maintained in
order to ensure efficient steering, good directional
stability, and prevent abnormal tire wear. If you notice
unusual tire wear or your vehicle is pulling one way or
the other, the alignment may need to be reset. If you
notice your vehicle vibrating when driving on a smooth
road, your wheels may need to be balanced.
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7-6 12,000 Miles (20 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.

Wheels and tires service. (15)

Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)

Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)

Engine drive belts service (or every 12 months,
whichever occurs first). (18)

Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)

Throttle linkage service. (19)

Thermostatically controlled engine cooling
fan service. (4)(20)

Shields and underhood insulation service. (4)(5)(21)

Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
15,000 Miles (25 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Steering system service. (13)

Front and rear suspension service. (14)

Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service. (16)

Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)

Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
18,000 Miles (30 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)

Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)

Inspect door hinge pins and bushings and replace as
necessary. Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with
engine oil.
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7-8 24,000 Miles (40 000 km) (Continued)

Evaporative Control System service (if equipped) (or
every 24 months, whichever occurs first). (3)(26)

Rear axle air shift motor service. (11)
Check air brake relay valve operation and check for
leaks (or every month, or every 300 hours,
whichever occurs first).
Air brake chamber service (or every 2 months,
whichever occurs first). (41)
Trailer brake hand control valve service (or every
3 months, or 900 hours, whichever occurs first). (42)
27,000 Miles (45 000 km)
Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)
Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
30,000 Miles (50 000 km)
Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)
Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
Chassis lubrication service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (12)
Replace fuel filter(s) (or every 12 months, whichever
occurs first). (3)Air cleaner filter replacement service (or every
24 months, whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(27)
Steering system service. (13)
Front and rear suspension service. (14)
Spring
-to-axle U-bolts and shackle bolts service. (16)
Exhaust system service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (3)(4)(17)
Air brake service (or every 6 months, whichever
occurs first). (39)
Lubricate door hinge pins and rollers with engine oil.
Wheels and tires service. (15)
Hydraulic brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (7)
Hydraulic parking brake service (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first). (8)
Clutch pedal free travel service. (10)
Air brake automatic slack adjuster service (or every
500 hours, whichever occurs first). (40)
33,000 Miles (55 000 km)
Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)
Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
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