GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

BRAKE SYSTEM SERVICE INFORMATION

VEHICLES AFFECTED: All Passenger Cars

1. Brake Hose Handling

When servicing the brake system it is important to never let components hang from brake hoses. Some brake hoses have protective rings or covers to prevent direct contact of the hose with other chassis parts (i.e. 1985 'C' series rear brake hose to parking brake cable). Besides causing possible structural damage to the hose, excessive tension could cause the hose rings to move out of their design locations.

2. Parking Brake Cables

Some 1984 models are equipped with new parking brake cable assemblies. The wire strand is coated with a black plastic material which slides against nylon seals inside the conduit end fittings. This is for corrosion protection and reduced parking brake effort.

Handling of these cables during servicing of the parking brake system requires a little extra care. Damage to the plastic coating will reduce corrosion protection and if the damaged area passes through the seal, increase parking brake effort could result. Contact of the coating with sharp-edged tools, or with 'unfriendly' surfaces of the vehicle underbody, should therefore be avoided.

3. Parking Brake Adjustment

To prevent damage to the parking brake threaded adjusting rod when removing the nut or adjusting the parking brake, the following is recommended:

A. Before attempting to turn the adjusting nut, clean the exposed threads on the threaded rod on both sides of the nut. Apply lubricant to the cleaned threads.

B. Rotate nut to tighten system until the threads under the nut are uncovered. Clean and apply lube to these threads. Proceed with disassembly or adjustment procedure.

General Motors bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, not a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform those technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, do not assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See a General Motors dealer servicing your brand of General Motors vehicle for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.