brake GMC C-SERIES 1999 Repair Manual

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6-29 What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can
cause the PRIMARY BRAKE or AUX BRAKE
warning lights to come on. If either light remains
on after you have added power steering fluid to
the proper level, then shut off the engine for
10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, though,
then see ªHydraulic Brake Warning Lightsº in
the Index.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full.
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6-30
NOTICE:

When using concentrated washer fluid,
follow the manufacturer's instructions for
adding water.

Don't mix water with ready
-to-use washer
fluid. Water can cause the solution to freeze
and damage your washer fluid tank and
other parts of the washer system. Also,
water doesn't clean as well as washer fluid.

Fill your washer fluid tank only
three
-quarters full when it's very cold.
This allows for expansion if freezing occurs,
which could damage the tank if it is
completely full.

Don't use engine coolant (antifreeze) in
your windshield washer. It can damage
your washer system and paint.
Brakes
Brake Fluid
If your vehicle has
hydraulic brakes, there's
a brake master cylinder.
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is here. Refer to
the Maintenance Schedule
to determine when to check
your brake fluid.
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6-31
CAUTION:
Don't add brake fluid before you check the level.
If you do, you could get too much brake fluid.
Brake fluid could spill on the hot engine and it
can catch fire. You could be burned and your
vehicle could be damaged.
Checking Brake Fluid
Apply the brake pedal several times with the ignition
off. Then clean one of the reservoir caps and the area
around the cap, and remove it. The fluid level should be
even with the bottom ring of the filler opening.
If it's low, add enough fluid
to fill the reservoir to the
proper level.
What to Add
Use the proper fluid listed in your Maintenance
Schedule. 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.
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6-32
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, and don't use DOT
-5
silicone brake fluid.
NOTICE: (Continued)
NOTICE: (Continued)

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.
Four-Wheel Disc Brakes (Hydraulic Only)
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
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.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
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6-33 Four-Wheel and Six-Wheel Drum Brakes
(Air Only)
The brake drums should be removed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected, too.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
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 brakes adjust
for wear.
Air Brake Systems (If Equipped)
If you have air brakes, it is important to get rid of
moisture in the system. Moisture will damage your
system if it isn't removed daily.There are two ways to do this. One is automatic if your
air
-brake vehicle has the optional moisture ejector. If
your vehicle doesn't have that option, however, you
must drain the air reservoirs every day.
Drain them at full system
pressure. To be sure you're
at full pressure, check
your air pressure gage.
It should read at least
100 psi (692 kPa).
Moisture Ejector (Option)
If you have air brakes with a moisture ejector, the valve
automatically ejects moisture from the reserve tank
when the air compressor cycles.
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6-34 Air Dryer (Option)
If your vehicle has air brakes, it may have an air dryer.
This collects and removes dirt, moisture or other foreign
matter from the air prior to entering the brake system. It
is mounted on the left frame rail.
If your dryer is a
Bendix
-Westinghouse, it
has a filter that you need to
change at intervals. See
your Maintenance Schedule
for more about servicing
this filter.
Alcohol Injector (Option)
If your vehicle has air brakes, it may have an alcohol
injector. It is on the frame or crossmember at the right
front corner of the vehicle.
The alcohol injector helps prevent moisture in the air
brake system from freezing. Use it only in cold weather,
32
F (0
C) or below.
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6-35
To turn it on in cold
weather, turn the valve so
that the word ON is on top.
When the temperature is
above freezing, turn the
valve to OFF.
During the cold weather season, you may find that you
need to check this bottle once a week.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.
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6-36
Electric/Hydraulic Parking
Brake Fluid
If you have an electric/hydraulic parking brake, a good
time to check the fluid level is when you check the fluid
levels under the hood.
If you need to add fluid, use Dexron III automatic
transmission fluid (GM Part Number 12345881).
How to Check and Add Fluid
First, apply the parking brake. To check the fluid level,
look at the MAX and MIN lines on the side of the
reservoir. If the level is below the MAX line, add fluid.
To add fluid, clean away any dirt around the reservoir
cap. Remove the reservoir cap and add enough fluid to
bring it up to the MAX level.
NOTICE:
Always use proper fluid (automatic transmission
fluid), not brake fluid. Failure to use the proper
fluid can cause leaks and damage hoses and seals.
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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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6-40
ITEM NO. ITEM REMARKS
15 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
16 Transmission
-Auto*
Check fluid level.
17 Propshaft Slip Joint One fitting each joint; lubricate with GM Part
No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
18 Propshaft U
-Joints One fitting each joint (1480 and 1550 Series); lubricate
with GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant. Two
fittings each joint (1610 Series and larger); lubricate with
GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
19 Rear Wheel Bearing Hand
-pack or lubricate.
20 Rear Axle Fill to level of filler plug.
21 Parking Brake Clevis Pin$ Apply chassis lubricant.
22 Master Cylinder $ Fill to 1/4, (6 mm) below opening.
23 Parking Brake Lever Pivot*$ Apply chassis lubricant.
* Applies to some vehicles.
 Applies to air brakes only.

Refer to Allison Transmission Operator's Manual.
$ Applies to hydraulic brakes only.
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