GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Step

Action

Value(s)

Yes

No

1

Did you perform the Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check?

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Go to Step 2

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check

2

Inspect the disc brake pads and brake shoe linings for the following conditions:

    • Excessive wear
    • Contaminated lining material
    • Uneven wear
    • Glazing
    • Abuse
    • Incorrect lining material

Refer to Brake Pad Inspection in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Inspection in Drum Brakes.

Do any of the above conditions apply?

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Go to Step 3

Go to Step 4

3

Replace the brake linings. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

    •  Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Rear Disc Brake Pads Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Step 22

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4

Inspect the brake rotors for the following conditions:

    • Hot spots
    • Scored rotor surface
    • Grooved rotor surface
    • Excessive lateral runout
    • Excessive thickness variation

Refer to the appropriate procedure:

    •  Brake Rotor Thickness Variation Check in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Rotor Lateral Runout Check in Disc Brakes
    •  Brake Rotor Tolerance in Disc Brakes

Do any of the above conditions apply?

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Go to Step 5

Go to Step 6

5

  1. Resurface the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Refinishing in Disc Brakes.
  2. Inspect the thickness of the rotor. Refer to Component Specifications in Disc Brakes.
  3. If refinishing the brake rotor results in a thickness that is less than the thinnest (Refinishing) thickness, replace the rotor. Refer to Front Brake Rotor Replacement or Rear Brake Rotor Replacement in Disc Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Step 22

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6

Inspect the drum brakes for improper adjustment. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment in Drum Brakes.

Are the brakes improperly adjusted?

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Go to Step 7

Go to Step 8

7

Adjust the drum brakes properly. Refer to Drum Brake Adjustment in Drum Brakes.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Step 22

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8

Inspect the axle seals for leakage.

Is there any seal leakage?

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Go to Step 9

Go to Step 10

9

Replace the axle oil seals. Refer to Oil Seal and/or Bearing Replacement in Rear Drive Axle.

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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10

Inspect the brake assemblies for missing or loose attachments. Refer to Disc Brakes System Description in Disc Brakes or Brake Shoe Replacement in Drum Brakes.

Are there any missing or loose attachments?

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Go to Step 11

Go to Step 12

11

Replace or tighten the attachments as necessary.

Is the repair complete?

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Go to Step 22

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12

Inspect the wheel cylinders and/or calipers for leakage.

Are any of the components leaking?

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Go to Step 13

Go to Step 14

13

Replace the leaking components. Refer to the appropriate procedure:

    •  Front Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Front Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Rear Brake Caliper Replacement in Disc Brakes
    •  Wheel Cylinder Replacement in Drum Brakes

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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14

Inspect the hydraulic brake system for leaks. Refer to Brake Fluid Leak .

Is there any sign of leakage?

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Go to Step 15

Go to Step 16

15

Replace the leaking components or tighten the leaking brake hose or pipe fittings. Refer to Fastener Tightening Specifications .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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16

Inspect the master cylinder for leakage. Refer to Master Cylinder Diagnosis .

Is the master cylinder leaking?

--

Go to Step 17

Go to Step 18

17

Overhaul the master cylinder. Refer to Master Cylinder Overhaul .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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18

Inspect the brake system for air. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .

Is there air in the system?

--

Go to Step 19

Go to Step 20

19

Bleed the brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Bleeding .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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20

Inspect the brake fluid for contamination. Refer to Brake Fluid and Brake Fluid Handling .

Is the brake fluid contaminated?

--

Go to Step 21

Go to Step 22

21

Flush the hydraulic brake system. Refer to Hydraulic Brake System Flushing .

Is the repair complete?

--

Go to Step 22

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22

Verify the proper brake system operation.

Does the brake system operate properly?

--

System OK

Go to Hydraulic Brake Diagnostic System Check