Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Caution in the Preface section.
Notice: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir,
use only GM approved or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid
container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake
fluid may cause contamination which could result in damage to the internal
rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.
Notice: Avoid spilling brake fluid onto painted surfaces, electrical connections,
wiring, or cables. Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces and cause corrosion
to electrical components. If any brake fluid comes in contact with painted
surfaces, immediately flush the area with water. If any brake fluid comes
in contact with electrical connections, wiring, or cables, use a clean shop
cloth to wipe away the fluid.
- 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:
| • | Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm. |
| • | 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
. |
- 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 diaphragm 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 Saturn P/N 21013073, 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
.
