GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Saturn 🢒 2009 🢒 Astra 🢒 Brakes 🢒 Hydraulic Brakes 🢒 Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling
  1. Clean the outside of the reservoir and the reservoir cap in order to avoid dirt contamination of the brake fluid.

    2. Note: The brake fluid level MUST be between the MAX mark and the MIN mark for the following reasons:

       • In order to provide adequate brake fluid reserve
       • In order to prevent air from entering the hydraulic brake system
       • In order to allow the brake fluid to expand due to the heat from the brakes and the engine

  2. Inspect the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.

    3. Note: 

       • If the brake fluid is above the MAX mark, do not add brake fluid.
       • If the brake fluid is below the MIN mark during a routine fluid inspection, inspect the brake system for wear and potential brake fluid leaks.
       • If the brake fluid level is below the MIN mark, the brake pads are not worn, and there are no brake fluid leaks, add brake fluid to the MAX mark.

  3. If necessary, remove the reservoir cap.
  4. Remove the reservoir cap seal.

    5. Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning in the Preface section.

    Warning: Refer to DOT 4 Brake Fluid Warning in the Preface section.

    Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution in the Preface section.

    Warning: Do not overfill the brake fluid reservoir. Overfilling the brake fluid reservoir may cause the brake fluid to overflow onto the engine exhaust components during brake system service. The brake fluid is flammable and may cause a fire and personal injury if the brake fluid contacts the engine exhaust system components.

    Caution: When adding fluid to the brake fluid reservoir or to the clutch fluid reservoir, use only Super DOT-4 or equivalent DOT-4 brake fluid from a clean, sealed container. This polyglycol brake fluid is hygroscopic and absorbs moisture. Do not use fluid from an open container that may be contaminated with water. Improper or contaminated fluid could result in damage to the system components.

  5. Add GM Vehicle Care® Brake and Clutch Fluid Super DOT-4, GM P/N 88958860 (Canadian P/N 88901244), or the equivalent DOT-4 brake fluid, to the reservoir.
  6. Install the reservoir cap seal.
  7. Install the reservoir cap.