Master Cylinder
Important:
• Replace all of the components that are included in the repair
kits used to service this master cylinder. • Lubricate the rubber parts with clean brake fluid in order to
ease assembly. • Do not use lubricated compressed air on the brake parts. This
action may cause damage to the rubber components. • If you remove or disconnect any hydraulic part, you may have to
bleed all or part of the brake system. • The specified torque values are for dry, non-lubricated fasteners. • Perform the service operations on a clean bench that is free from
all mineral oil materials.
This master cylinder is a composite design with a plastic reservoir and an aluminum body. The master cylinder is used in a diagonally split system. In this system, one front and one diagonally rear brake is served by the primary piston (17), and the opposite front and rear brakes are served by the secondary piston (15).
The master cylinder incorporates the functions of a standard dual master cylinder. The master cylinder also has a fluid level sensor (8) and integral proportioning. The proportioning valves are designed to provide better front-to-rear braking balance with a heavy brake application.
Proportioning Valves
Important: Do not wash the proportioning valve in any cleaning solution. The internal components are prelubricated with a special grease.
The proportioning valves are located in the master cylinder. The proportioner valves thread into the master cylinder. The proportioning valves proportion the brake fluid to each caliper or wheel cylinder after a predetermined amount of pressure is reached. The proportioner valves limit outlet pressure to the rear brakes after the brakes meet a predetermined inlet pressure. The proportioner valves limit pressure when less apply force is needed in order to obtain optimum breaking. The proportional valves prevent rear wheel lock-up on vehicles that do not have heavy rear wheel loads.
Fluid Level Sensor
The compact master cylinders are equipped with a fluid level sensor. The sensor switch is located in the inboard side of the reservoir. The sensor activates the BRAKE warning lamp if the fluid level is low. The BRAKE warning lamp turns off when the fluid level is corrected. Refer to Brake Warning Lamp Description or Brake Fluid Level Indicator Switch Replacement .
Anti-Lock Brake System
The anti-lock brake system uses the following two indicator lamps:
| • | A red BRAKE warning lamp. |
| • | An amber ANTI-LOCK lamp. |
Both of the lamps are located in the instrument panel cluster. Ensure that the lamps exhibit the following conditions under normal conditions:
| • | The amber ANTI-LOCK lamp turns ON when the ignition is turned to the RUN position, prior to starting the engine. |
| • | The red BRAKE lamp and the amber ANTI-LOCK lamp come ON as the engine is cranked. |
| • | Ensure that both of the lamps are OFF when the engine starts. The operation of the two warning lamps is an important part of the anti-lock brake system diagnosis. If the warning lamp turns ON when you are driving the vehicle, this indicates a malfunction. For additional information regarding warning lamp operation for the anti-lock brake system, refer to DTC C1211 ABS Warning Lamp Circuit Malfunction in Antilock Brake System. |
Substandard or Contaminated Brake Fluid
Caution: Brake fluid may irritate eyes and skin. In case of contact, take the
following actions:
• Eye contact--rinse thoroughly with water. • Skin contact--wash with soap and water. • If ingested--consult a physician immediately.
Caution: Use only Delco Supreme 11, GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or equivalent DOT 3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in damage to components, or loss of braking, with possible injury.
Notice: Avoid spilling brake fluid on any of the vehicle's painted surfaces, wiring, cables, or electric connectors. Brake fluid will damage the paint and the electrical connections. If any fluid is spilled on the vehicle, flush the area to lessen the damage.
Important:
The following conditions may cause the fluid to boil:
| • | Improper brake fluid. |
| • | Mineral oil or water in the fluid. |
| The rubber components in the brake hydraulic system may also deteriorate. |
If the rubber parts are deteriorated, the following parts will be swollen:
| • | Master cylinder cap diaphragm. |
| • | Wheel cylinder boots. |
| • | Caliper boots. |
Disassemble all of the serviceable hydraulic components if deterioration exists. Refer to Hydraulic Brakes, Disc Brakes, Drum Brakes, and ABS Brakes and Traction Control. Wash all of the parts with alcohol. Dry the parts with non-lubricated compressed air in order to keep the alcohol out of the system. Replace all of the rubber parts in the system, including the hoses and the non-serviceable hydraulic components.
Refill the brake system with new brake fluid. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling .
Flush the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .
Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .
