GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

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Action

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DEFINITION: This diagnostic table is designed to diagnose ONLY the components of the brake ASSIST system in order to determine if the brake ASSIST system is operating properly. You will be directed by the appropriate Symptom Table to go to other brake system diagnostic tables as appropriate.

1

Were you sent here from a Brake Symptom Table?

Go to Step 2

Go to Diagnostic Starting Point - Hydraulic Brakes

2

Inspect for proper brake pedal travel. Refer to Brake Pedal Travel Measurement and Inspection .

Is the brake pedal travel distance within the specifications?

Go to Step 5

Go to Step 3

3

  1. Inspect for worn, missing, misaligned, bent or damaged brake pedal system components.
  2. • For the brake pedal pushrod component inspection, refer to Brake Pedal Pushrod Inspection .
    • Inspect the brake pedal bushings for excessive wear and/or damage and inspect the brake pedal for a misaligned, bent and/or damaged condition.
  3. Replace the brake pedal system components that are worn, missing, misaligned, bent or damaged. Refer to the following procedures as necessary:
  4. •  Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement in order to replace a bent or damaged pedal pushrod.

Did you find and replace any worn, missing, misaligned, bent or damaged brake pedal system components?

Go to Step 4

Go to Step 5

4

Reinspect for proper brake pedal travel. Refer to Brake Pedal Travel Measurement and Inspection .

Is the brake pedal travel distance within the acceptable limits?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 5

5

Check the engine vacuum source that supplies vacuum to the vacuum brake booster. Replace components as necessary. Refer to Brake System Vacuum Source Test .

Did you replace any components?

Go to Step 6

Go to Step 12

6

During the vacuum source inspection, did the vacuum booster check valve operate properly?

Go to Step 8

Go to Step 7

7

Replace the vacuum booster. Refer to Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement .

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 8

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8

  1. Pump the brake pedal several times in order to exhaust the vacuum from the booster.
  2. Maintain moderate foot pressure on the brake pedal and start the engine.

Did the brake pedal drop slightly, then remain firm after the engine was started?

Go to Step 9

Go to Step 11

9

  1. Release the brake pedal.
  2. Turn the ignition OFF, then wait 15 seconds.
  3. Important: If operating properly, the vacuum brake booster should maintain assist for at least two pedal applications.

  4. Pump the brake pedal 2 times in order to check for available vacuum reserve and in order to observe brake pedal effort.

Did the brake pedal effort increase significantly?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 10

10

Inspect the brake pedal pushrod and the brake pedal for misalignment, a bent condition and/or damage.

Is the brake pedal pushrod and/or the brake pedal misaligned, bent or damaged?

Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Replace the brake pedal pushrod and/or the brake pedal, as necessary. Refer to the following procedures:

    •  Power Vacuum Brake Booster Replacement in order to replace a bent or damaged pedal pushrod.

Did you complete the replacement?

Go to Step 12

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12

Install or connect any components that were removed or disconnected during diagnosis.

Is the operation complete?

Brake Assist System OK

Return to Symptom Table

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