GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Listed below are inspections and services which should be performed at least twice a year, for instance, each spring and fall. A dealer's service department or qualified service center should perform these inspections. All repairs should be completed at once.

Steering and Suspension and Front Drive Axle Boot and Seal Inspection

Inspect the front and the rear suspension and steering system for the following:

    • Damaged parts
    • Loose or missing parts
    • Signs of wear or lack of lubrication

Inspect the power steering lines and the hoses for the following:

    • Proper hookup
    • Binding
    • Leaks
    • Cracks
    • Chafing, etc.
    • Check for seal leakage.
    • Clean drive axle boot seals
    • Inspect the drive axle boot seals for the following:
       - Damage
       - Tears
       - Leakage
    • Replace seals if necessary.
    • Check final drive axle output seals for leakage.

Exhaust System Inspection

Inspect the complete system. Inspect the body near the exhaust system. Look for broken, damaged, missing or out-of-position parts as well as open seams, holes, loose connections or other conditions which could cause a heat build-up in the floor pan or could let exhaust fumes into the vehicle. For exhaust system inspection diagnosis, refer to Engine Exhaust.

Radiator Cooling System Inspection

Inspect the hoses and replace if they are cracked, swollen or deteriorated.

Inspect all pipes, fittings and clamps; replace as needed.

Clean the outside of the radiator and air conditioning condenser. To help ensure proper operation, a pressure test of the cooling system and pressure cap is recommended at least once a year. Refer to Cooling System Leak Testing in Engine Cooling.

Throttle System Inspection

Important: The accelerator and cruise control cables should not be lubricated under any condition. Throttle system components causing hesitation or sticking should be replaced.

Inspect the following:

    • Missing parts such as retainers or clips.
    • Interference of the linkage or the cable conduit to critical components such as fuel lines, brake lines, harness leads, etc.
    • Proximity of the cable to the exhaust system and other heat sources: check for melting and/or discoloration.
    • Cable kinking. Avoid sharp bends of cables.
    • Clearance of the throttle system moving parts throughout their travel from other stationary components.
    • Damage of the components due to cable kinking, severe kinking, severe abrasion, misalignment, etc. If any of the above conditions exists, notify your dealer for a recommended rerouting, adjustment, or replacement.

Brake System Inspection

Inspect the complete system.

Inspect the brake lines and the hoses for the following:

    • Proper hookup
    • Binding
    • Leaks
    • Cracks
    • Chafing, etc.

Inspect the disc brake pads for wear and rotors for surface condition. Also inspect the drum brake linings for wear and cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including the drums, wheel cylinders, calipers the parking brake, etc.

Check parking brake adjustment.

The brakes may need to be inspected more often if driving habits or conditions result in frequent braking.

Clutch Release Arm Play Service

Adjust the linkage whenever there is little or no play.

Check the linkage every 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or less. The clutch play should be checked at the clutch release arm on the transaxle, not at the clutch pedal.