Hydraulic Brake System Flushing without RPO BRM
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.
- Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
| • | Fluid separation, indicating 2 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. |
- 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 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.
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing with RPO BRM
Warning: Refer to DOT 4 Brake Fluid Warning in the Preface section.
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning in the Preface section.
Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.
- Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
| • | Fluid separation, indicating 2 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. |
- 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 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 brake and clutch fluid Super DOT-4, GM P/N 88958860 (Canadian P/N 88901244) or equivalent DOT-4 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.
