GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Steering and Suspension Inspection

  1. Inspect the front and the rear suspension for the following:
  2. • Damaged parts
    • Loose or missing parts
    • Signs of wear or lack of lubrication
  3. Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for the following:
  4. • Proper hookup
    • Binding
    • Leaks
    • Cracks
    • Chafing, etc.

Tire and Wheel Inspection

  1. Inspect the tires for uneven wear or damage. If there is irregular or premature wear, check the wheel alignment. Inspect for damaged wheels.
  2. For tire diagnosis information refer to Tire and Wheel Inspection

Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete system and body near the exhaust system for the following conditions:

    • Broken or damaged parts
    • Missing or out-of-position parts
    • Open seams or holes
    • Conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan
    • Conditions which could allow exhaust fumes to enter the vehicle

Engine Cooling System Inspection

    Caution: NEVER spray water on a hot heat exchanger. The resulting steam could cause personal injury.

    Notice: Compressed air or water can be used to clean the radiator fins. Do not exceed 138 kPa (20 psi). Pressure over 138 kPa (20 psi) will damage the radiator.

  1. Inspect the hoses. Replace the hoses if they are cracked, swollen, or deteriorated.
  2. Inspect all pipes, fittings, and clamps. Replace any parts as needed.
  3. Important: The radiator and the A/C condenser should be kept clean for proper system performance. Cleaning is recommended at least once a year.

  4. Inspect the front surface of the radiator and the A/C condenser. Insects, leaves, and other debris can affect the performance of the radiator and the A/C condenser.
  5. If the front surface of either or both of these components is found to need cleaning, the unwanted material can be removed by performing the following procedure:
  6. • Ensure that the engine is off and cooled.
    • Blow compressed air through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle.
    • If compressed air is not available, use a water hose to force water through the radiator from the rear surface of the radiator toward the front of the vehicle.
  7. To help ensure proper cooling system performance, a pres

Throttle System Inspection

  1. The throttle system (including the accelerator and the cruise control) should operate freely and without hesitation between fully closed and wide open.
  2. Important: The accelerator cable and cruise control cable should not be lubricated under any condition. Throttle system components causing hesitation or sticking should be replaced.

  3. Inspect the system for the following conditions:
  4. • Missing parts such as retainers or clips.
    • Interference of the linkage or the cable conduit to critical components such as the fuel lines, the brake lines, harness leads, etc.
    • The proximity of the cable to the exhaust system and other heat sources; look for melting and/or discoloration.
    • Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends in cables.
    • Clearance of the throttle system moving parts throughout their travel from other stationary components.
    • Damage of the components due to cable kinking, severe abrasion, misalignment, etc.

Brake System Inspection

    Notice: A low brake fluid level can indicate worn disc brake pads which may need to be serviced. Also, if the brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the brake system. If the anti-lock brake system warning light stays on or comes on, something may be wrong with the anti-lock brake system.

  1. Inspect the brake lines and the hoses for the following:
  2. • Proper hookup
    • Binding
    • Leaks
    • Cracks
    • Chafing, etc.
  3. Inspect the disc brake pads for wear. Inspect the surface condition of the rotors. Inspect all other brake parts, including the calipers, the parking brake, etc.
  4. The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

Caliper/Knuckle Maintenance Inspection


Object Number: 229234  Size: SH

If the vehicle is operated in a highly corrosive environment, as indicated by the shaded areas on the map, the vehicle may require additional brake service. Refer to the appropriate GM Service Bulletin for the proper caliper inspection procedure. Caliper pins and knuckle brake pad abutments should be lubricated at every other tire rotation. See a GM retail service department or a qualified service center for additional information.