brakes GMC SIERRA 1997 Owner's Guide

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 “Appearance Care” in
the Index.
Brake Wear
If you have a C 3500 HD model, it has four-wheel disc
brakes without wear indicators.
If you ever hear a brake
rubbing noise, have the brake linings inspected.
If your pickup is not a
C 3500 HD model, it has front
disc brakes and rear drum brakes. Disc brake pads
(except
C 3500 HD models) 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).
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.
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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.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have wear
indicators, but if you ever hear
a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected. 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 “Brake System Inspection” in Section 7 of this manual
under Part
C “Periodic Maintenance Inspections.”
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 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.
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Short TripKity Maintenance Schedule =- Gasoline Engines
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166 000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at 150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240 000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge
that all recommended maintenance services
be performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, rear driveline
center splines, front axle propshaft splines and brake
pedal springs. Ball joints and kingpin bushings should
not be lubricated unless their temperature
is 10°F
(- 12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection’’ under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspection”
in Part C of this schedule.
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Long Tripmighway Maintenance Schedule -- Gasdin-
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
( 166 000 km) should be performed after 100,000 miles
(166
000 km) at the same intervals. The services shown
at
150,000 miles (240 000 km) should be performed at
the same interval after 150,000 miles (240
000 km).
See “Owner Checks and Services” and “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections’’ following.
Footnotes
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California
Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion
of the vehicle’s useful life. We, however, urge
that
all recommended maintenance services be performed
at the indicated intervals and the maintenance be recorded.
# Lubricate the front suspension, kingpin bushings,
steering linkage, transmission shift linkage, transfer case
shift linkage, parking brake cable guides, rear driveline
center splines, front axle propshaft splines and brake
pedal springs. Ball joints and kingpin bushings should
not be lubricated unless their temperature is 10 OF
(- 12°C) or higher, or they could be damaged.
+ A good time to check your brakes is during tire
rotation. See “Brake System Inspection” under “Periodic
Maintenance Inspections” in Part
C of this schedule.
** Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
0
0
0
Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change. At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed.
Standard Differential
-- Check fluid level and add
fluid as needed at every engine oil change.
3500 HD Models with applications requiring
high-speed (above
45 mph or 70 kmh) operation for
extended periods of time must have the drive axle
fluid changed every
30,000 miles (50 000 km).
7-31
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2. Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary). Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
3. With the engine off, turn the key to the RUN position,
but don’t start the engine. Without applying
the regular
brake, try to move the shift lever
out of PARK (P)
with normal effort. If the shift lever moves out
of
PARK (P), your vehicle’s BTSI needs service.
Ignition Transmission Lock Check
While parked, and with the parking brake set, try to turn
the ignition key to
LOCK in each shift lever position.
With an automatic transmission, the key should turn
to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in PARK (P).
With a manual transmission, the key should turn to
LOCK only when the shift lever is in REVERSE (R).
On vehicles with a key release button, try to turn the key
to
LOCK without pressing the button. The key should
turn to
LOCK only when you press the key button.
On all vehicles, the key should come out only in LOCK.
I
When you are doing this check, your vehicle
could begin
to move. You or others could be
injured and property could be damaged. Make
sure there is room in front
of your vehicle in case
it begins to roll. Be ready to apply the regular
brake at once should the vehicle begin to move.
Park on a fairly steep hill, with the vehicle facing
downhill. Keeping
your foot on the regular brake, set the
parking brake.
To check the parking brake’s holding ability:
With the engine running and transmission in
NEUTRAL
(N), slowly remove foot pressure from
the regular brake pedal.
Do this until the vehicle is
held by the parking brake
only.
0 To check the PARK (P) mechanism’s holding ability:
With the engine running, shift
to PARK (P). Then
release all brakes.
7-48
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Drive Axle Service
Check readfront axle fluid level and add as needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive)
Inspection
Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, check front
axle and transfer case and add lubricant when necessary.
Oil the control lever pivot point and all exposed control
linkage. Check vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. More frequent lubrication may be
required on off-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. For vehicles with rear drum
brakes, also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment.
You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
7-50
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1997 GMC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling c
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order, \
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
CURRENT
PUBLICATIONS FOR 1997 GMC
SERVICE MANUALS Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1997 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL
PRICE: $40.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions
to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated P.O. Box 07130 Detroit, MI 48207
OWNER’S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and intended to provide basic operational information about t
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenanc Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner’s Manual and
Warranty Booklet. RETAIL
SELL PRICE: $1 5.00
Without Portfolio: Owner’s Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE:
$10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles.
To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-782-4356
Monday-Friday 8:OO AM - 6:OO PM Eastern Time
For Credit
Card Orders Only (VISA-MasterCard-Discove
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Section 9 Index
Accessory Power Outlet ......................... 2-6 I
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
AirBag ....................................... 1-23
Adding Equipment ............................ 1-3 1
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-28
How
it Works ................................ 1-25
Location
.................................... 1-25
Readiness Light
......................... 1-25. 2-67
Servicing
................................... 1-30
What Makes it Inflate .......................... 1-27
What Will You See After
it Inflates ............... 1-28
When Should
it Inflate ......................... 1-27
Air Bag Off Light
.......................... 1-57, 2-68
Aircleaner
.................................... 6-10
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check ........ 7-46
Air Conditioning
................................ 3-4
Air Conditioning Refrigerants ..................... 6-78
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-57
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning
...................... 6-65
Antenna
...................................... 3-26
Antifreeze
..................................... 6-29
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2-72. 4.7
Brakes
...................................... 4-7
Appearance Care
............................... 6-59 Appearance Care
Materials
....................... 6-68
Arbitration Program .............................. 8-9
Armrest Storage Compartment
.................... 2-57
Ashtrays
...................................... 2-59
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-24
Audio Systems
.................................. 3-7
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-46
Fluid
....................................... 6-21
Operation
................................... 2-15
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-48
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-13
Axle.
Front .................................... 6-28
Axle. Locking Rear
............................. 2-22
Axle. Rear
.................................... 6-26
Battery ...................................... 6-39
Jump Starting ................................. 5-3
Replacement. Keyless Entry
..................... 2-8
Warnings
................................ 5.3. 5.5
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9
Blizzard. Driving In ............................. 4-39
9-1
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Brake Adjustment
.................................. 6-38
Fluid
....................................... 6-35
Parking
..................................... 2-27
PedalTravel
................................. 6-38
Master Cylinder
.............................. 6-35
Replacing System Parts
........................ 6-38
System Warning Light
......................... 2-71
Trailer
...................................... 4-54
Transmission Shift Interlock Check ............... 7-47
Brakes, Anti-Lock
............................... 4-7
Braking
........................................ 4-6
Braking in Emergencies ........................... 4-9
Break-In, New Vehicle
.......................... 2- 10
Bulb Replacement
.............................. 6-39
Wear
....................................... 6-37
BTSICheck
................................... 7-47
Canadian Roadside Assistance
.................... 8-7
Capacities and Specifications
...................... 6-76
Care
of Your Cassette Tape Player .................. 3-25
Cassette Deck Service
........................... 7-45
Cassette Tape Player
........................ 3.9. 3.12
Cassette Tape Player Care
........................ 3-25
Cassette/Compact Disc Storage
.................... 2-57
Center Overhead Console
........................ 2-52
Center Passenger Position
........................ 1-32
Certificationire Label
.......................... 4-41
CarbonMonoxide
......................... 2.32. 4.40
Cargo Lamp 2-47
...................................
.............................. Certification Label 4-4 1 Chains. Safety
................................. 4-54
Changing a Flat Tire
............................. 5-22
Charging System Light
.......................... 2-69
Check Gages Light
.............................. 2-77
Checking Your Restraint Systems
.................. 1-65
Chemical Paint Spotting
.......................... 6-67
Child Restraints
................................ 1-43
Securing in a Rear Outside Seat Position
...... 1-48. 1-50
Securing in the Center Seat Position
.............. 1-52
Securing in the Right Front Seat Position
..... 1-54. 1-57
Where to Put ........................... 1-45. 1-46
Chrome Wheels. Cleaning
......................... 6-65
Cigarette Lighter
............................... 2-59
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
....................... 6-71
Aluminum Wheels
............................ 6-65
Exterior LampsLenses
........................ 6-64
Glass
....................................... 6-63
Inside of Your Vehicle ......................... 6-60
Outside
of Your Vehicle ........................ 6-64
Special Problems
............................. 6-61
Vinyl
....................................... 6-62
Windshield and Wiper Blades
................... 6-63
................................... Chains. Tire 6-58
TopStrap
................................... 1-47
Cleaner. Air
................................... 6-19
Cleaning
Fabric
...................................... 6-60
Instrumentpanel
............................. 6-63
Leather
..................................... 6-62
Stains
...................................... 6-61
Tires
....................................... 6-66
Wheels
..................................... 6-65
9-2
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