Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.
Notice: Refer to Adding Fluid to the Brake System Notice in the Preface section.
Notice: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in the Preface section.
- Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake
fluid contamination:
• | Fluid separation -- indicating two types of fluid are present; a substance
other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the brake hydraulic
system |
- | Swirled appearance - oil-based substance |
- | Layered appearance - silicone-based substance |
• | Fluid discoloration -- indicating the presence of moisture or particles
that have been introduced into the brake hydraulic system |
- | Cloudy appearance - moisture |
- | Dark appearance/ suspended particles in fluid - dirt, rust, corrosion,
brake dust |
- Inspect the master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and the reservoir-to-master
cylinder grommets for swelling, indicating brake fluid contamination.
- If the brake fluid WAS contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based
substance - indicated by fluid separation and/or a swollen master cylinder
reservoir cap diaphragm and/or swollen reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets, perform
the following:
3.1. | Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each
component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been contaminated by
the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system. |
Refer to the procedures indicated.
3.2. | Clean out all the hydraulic brake pipes using denatured alcohol, or equivalent. |
3.3. | Dry the brake pipes using non-lubricated, filtered air. |
3.4. | Repair or replace ALL of the following components listed and install
them to the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which
have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic
system. |
Refer to the procedures indicated.
• | Clean the brake master cylinder reservoir using denatured alcohol, or equivalent,
then dry the reservoir using non-lubricated, filtered air. Inspect the reservoir
for cracks and/or damage and replace if necessary. Refer to
Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement
. |
• | Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm. |
- If the brake fluid was NOT contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based
substance, but WAS contaminated with water or dirt, rust, corrosion, and/or brake
dust, replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm which may have
allowed the moisture or particles to enter the hydraulic system.
- Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with
Delco Supreme 11® (GM P/N 12377967) or equivalent DOT-3
brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
- Pressure bleed the hydraulic brake system; begin the procedure with the
pressure bleeder reservoir filled to the maximum-fill level with the correct brake
fluid as indicated. Refer to
Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding
.