brakes GMC SIERRA 1998 Owner's Guide

Brakes
Brake Fluid
Your brake master cylinder
reservoir is here. It
is filled
with DOT-3 brake fluid.
There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level
in the
reservoir might go down. The first is that the brake fluid
goes down to an acceptable level during normal brake
lining wear. When new linings are put
in, the fluid level
goes back up. The other reason is that fluid
is leaking out
of the brake system. If it is, you should have your brake
system fixed, since
a leak means that sooner or later your
brakes won’t work well, or won’t work at
all.
So, it isn’t a good idea to “top off’ your brake fluid.
Adding brake fluid won’t correct a leak.
If you add fluid
when your linings are worn, then you’ll
have too much
fluid when
you get new brake linings. You should add
(or remove) brake fluid,
as necessary, only when work is
done
on the brake hydraulic system.
- - -
4 CAU-ION:
If you have too much brake fluid, it can spill on the
engine. The fluid
will burn if the engine is hot
enough. You or others could be burned, and your
vehicle could be damaged. Add brake fluid only when
work is done on the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when to
check your brake fluid. See “Periodic Maintenance
Inspections” in the Index.
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Checking Brake Fluid
You can check the brake fluid without taking off the cap.
Just look at the brake fluid reservoir. The fluid level
should be above
MIN. If it isn’t, have your brake system
checked to see if there is a leak.
After work
is done on the brake hydraulic system,
make sure the level is above the
MIN but not over the
MAX mark or the top
of the window on the side of
the reservoir. fluid
-- such
as Delco Supreme llw (GM Part
No. 12377967). 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.
A CAUTION:
I
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.
I I
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NOTICE:
0
0
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).
I
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.
I 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 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 “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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I Short Trip/City Maintenance Schedule -- Gasoline Engines I
The services shown in this schedule up to 100,000 miles
(I 66 000 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
p 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 spline 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 Inspections”
in Part C of this schedule.
7-8
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Long TripMighway 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 spline 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 Inspections”
in Part C of this schedule.
‘+‘K Drive axle service (see “Recommended Fluids and
Lubricants”
in the Index for proper lubricant to use):
Locking Differential -- Drain fluid and refill at first
engine oil change.
At subsequent oil changes, check
fluid level and add fluid as needed.
0 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 kndh) operation
for
extended periods of time must have the drive axle
fluid changed every 30,000 miles
(50 000 km).
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2.
3.
Firmly apply the parking brake (see “Parking Brake”
in the Index if necessary).
NOTE: Be ready to apply the regular brake
immediately
if the vehicle begins to move.
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).
0 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.
Parking Brake and Automatic Transmission
PARK (P) Mechanism Check
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.
0 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.
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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.
On ~nanual shift transfer case,
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.
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1998 GMC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling o
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 1998 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
1998 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
tl
vehicle. The owner’s manual will include the Maintenanci
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:
$1 0.00
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 ......................... 2-59
AirBag ....................................... 1-23
Adding Equipment
............................ 1-3 1
How Does it Restrain .......................... 1-28
How it Works ................................ 1 -26
Location .................................... 1-26
Readiness Light ......................... 1.25, 2.65
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 .......................... 1.58. 2.65
Air Cleaner
.................................... 6- 18
Air Cleaner Filter Restriction Indicator Check ........ 7-41
Air Conditioning ............................ 3.3. 3.4
Air Conditionillg Refrigerants ..................... 6-79
Alignment and Balance. Tire
...................... 6-59
Antenna
...................................... 3-26
Antifreeze
........................... 6-28.6-79.7-46
Anti-Lock Brake System Warning Light
................ 2.68. 4.7
Brakes ...................................... 4-7
Appearance Care
............................... 6-6 I
Adding Equipment to the Outside of Your Vehicle ...... 6-3
Servicing
................................... 1-30
Aluminum Wheels. Cleaning ...................... 6-67
Appearance Care and Materials .................... 6-69
Arbitration Program .............................. 8-9
Armrest Storage Compartment
.................... 2-56
Audio Equipment. Adding
........................ 3-24
Audio System
.................................. 3-7
Automatic Transmission
Check
...................................... 7-41
Fluid
.................................. 6-21. 7-47
Operation ................................... 2-15
Park Mechanism Check
........................ 7-43
Starting Your Engine
.......................... 2-12
Axle. Front
............................... 6-27. 7-47
Axle. Locking Rear
............................. 2-32
Axle. Rear
............................... 6-26. 7-47
Ashtrays ...................................... 2-58
Battery
...................................... 6-39
Jump Starting
................................. 5-3
Warnings ................................ 5-3. 5-5
BBB Auto Line ................................. 8-9
Better Business Bureau Mediation ................... 8-9
Blizzard. Driving
In ............................. 4-38
Replacement.
Keyless Entry ..................... 2-8
9-1
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