1982 CHEVROLET CAMARO air hose

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 48
BRAKES

BASIC OPERATING PRINCIPLES
Hydraulic systems are used to actuate t he brakes of all modern automobiles.
The system transports the power required to force the frictional surfaces of the
braking system together from the pedal to the individual brake units at each
wheel. A hydraulic system is used for two reasons.
First, fluid under pressure can be carried to all parts of an automobile by small
pipes and flexible hoses without taking up a significant amount of room or
posing routing problems.
Second, a great mechanical advantage can be given to the brake pedal end of
the system, and the foot pressure requi red to actuate the brakes can be
reduced by making the surface area of t he master cylinder pistons smaller than
that of any of the pistons in t he wheel cylinders or calipers.
The master cylinder consists of a flui d reservoir along with a double cylinder
and piston assembly. Double type master cylinders are designed to separate
the front and rear braking systems hydraulic ally in case of a leak. The master
cylinder coverts mechanical motion from t he pedal into hydraulic pressure within
the lines. This pressure is translated back into mechanical motion at th\
e wheels
by either the wheel cylinder (drum brak es) or the caliper (disc brakes).
Steel lines carry the brake fluid to a po int on the vehicle's frame near each of
the vehicle's wheels. The fluid is then ca rried to the calipers and wheel cylinders
by flexible tubes in order to allow for suspension and steering movements.
In drum brake systems, each wheel cylinde r contains two pistons, one at either
end, which push outward in opposite direct ions and force the brake shoe into
contact with the drum.
In disc brake systems, the cylinders ar e part of the calipers. At least one
cylinder in each caliper is used to fo rce the brake pads against the disc.
All pistons employ some type of seal, us ually made of rubber, to minimize fluid
leakage. A rubber dust boot seals the outer end of the cylinder against dust and
dirt. The boot fits around the outer end of the piston on disc brake calipers, and
around the brake actuating rod on wheel cylinders.
The hydraulic system operates as follows : When at rest, the entire system, from
the piston(s) in the master cylinder to t hose in the wheel cylinders or calipers, is
full of brake fluid. Upon app lication of the brake pedal, fluid trapped in front of
the master cylinder piston(s) is forced through the lines to the wheel cylinders.
Here, it forces the pistons outward, in the case of drum brakes, and inward
toward the disc, in the case of disc brakes. The motion of the pistons is
opposed by return springs mounted outside the cylinders in drum brakes, and
by spring seals, in disc brakes.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 51
shoes to rotate very slightly with the
drum, rocking an adjusting lever, thereby
causing rotation of the adjusting scr ew. Some drum brake systems are
designed to self-adjust duri ng application whenever the br akes are applied. This
on-board adjustment system reduces the need for maintenance adjustments
and keeps both the brake function and pedal feel satisfactory.
POWER BOOSTERS
Virtually all modern vehicles use a va cuum assisted power brake system to
multiply the braking force and reduce pedal effort. Since vacuum is always
available when the en gine is operating, the system is simple and efficient. A
vacuum diaphragm is located on the front of the master cylinder and assists the
driver in applying the brakes, reducing both the effort and travel he must put into
moving the brake pedal.
The vacuum diaphragm housing is normally connected to the intake manifold by
a vacuum hose. A check valve is placed at the point where the hose enters the
diaphragm housing, so that during periods of low manifold vacuum brakes
assist will not be lost.
Depressing the brake pedal closes o ff the vacuum source and allows
atmospheric pressure to enter on one side of the diaphragm. This causes the
master cylinder pistons to move and app ly the brakes. When the brake pedal is
released, vacuum is applied to both si des of the diaphragm and springs return
the diaphragm and master cylinder pist ons to the released position.
If the vacuum supply fails, the brake pedal rod will contact the end of the master
cylinder actuator rod and the system will apply the br akes without any power
assistance. The driver will notice that much higher pedal effort is needed to stop
the car and that the pedal f eels harder than usual.
VACUUM LEAK TEST
1. Operate the engine at idle without t ouching the brake pedal for at least one
minute.
2. Turn off the engine and wait one minute.
3. Test for the presence of assist va cuum by depressing the brake pedal and
releasing it several times. If vac uum is present in the system, light
application will produce less and less pedal travel. If there is no vacuum, air
is leaking into the system.
SYSTEM OPERATION TEST
1. With the engine OFF, pump the brake p edal until the supply vacuum is
entirely gone.
2. Put light, steady pressu re on the brake pedal.
3. Start the engine and let it idle. If the system is operating correctly, the brake
pedal should fall toward the floor if t he constant pressure is maintained.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 65
POWER BRAKE BOOSTER
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION

Fig. 1: Power brake booster removal
1. Disconnect vacuum hose from vacuum check valve.
2. Unbolt the master cylinder and carefu
lly move it aside without disconnecting
the hydraulic lines.
3. Disconnect pushrod at brake pedal assembly.
Some brake boosters may also be held on with a sealant. This can be easily
removed with tar remover.

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BRAKE HOSES AND LINES

Fig. 1: Front brake lines

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 68

Fig. 2: Rear brake lines
Metal lines and rubber brake hoses shou ld be checked frequently for leaks and
external damage. Metal li nes are particularly prone to crushing and kinking
under the vehicle. Any such deformation can restrict the proper flow of fluid and
therefore impair braking at the wheels. Rubber hoses should be checked for
cracking or scraping; such damage can cr eate a weak spot in the hose and it
could fail under pressure.
Any time the lines are removed or di sconnected, extreme cleanliness must be
observed. Clean all joints and connecti ons before disassembly (use a stiff
bristle brush and clean brake fluid); be su re to plug the lines and ports as soon
as they are opened. New lines and hoses should be flushed clean with brake
fluid before installation to re move any contamination.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 70
3. Remove any wheel and tire asse
mblies necessary for access to the
particular line you are removing.
4. Thoroughly clean the su rrounding area at the joints to be disconnected.

Fig. 5: Use a brush to cl ean the fittings of any debris
5. Place a suitable catch pan under the joint to be disconnected.
6. Using two wrenches (one to hold th e joint and one to turn the fitting),
disconnect the hose or line to be replaced.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 71

Fig. 6: Use two wrenches to loosen the fi tting. If available, use flare nut type
wrenches
7. Disconnect the other end of the li ne or hose, moving the drain pan if
necessary. Always use a back-up wrench to avoid damaging the fitting.
8. Disconnect any retaining clips or br ackets holding the line and remove the
line from the vehicle.
If the brake system is to rema in open for more time than it takes to swap lines,
tape or plug each remaining clip and port to keep contaminants out and fluid in.

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 73
To install:
9. Install the new line or hose, starti
ng with the end farthest from the master
cylinder. Connect the other end, then confirm that both fittings are correctly
threaded and turn smoothly using finger pressure. Make sure the new line
will not rub against any ot her part. Brake lines must be at least 1/2 in.
(13mm) from the steering column and other moving parts. Any protective
shielding or insulators must be rein stalled in the original location.
WARNING - Make sure the hose is NO T kinked or touching any part of the
frame or suspension after installation. These conditions may cause the hose to
fail prematurely.
10. Using two wrenches as bef ore, tighten each fitting.
11. Install any retaining clips or brackets on the lines.
12. If removed, install the wheel and tire assemblies, then carefully lower the
vehicle to the ground.
13. Refill the brake master cylinder re servoir with clean, fresh brake fluid,
meeting DOT 3 specifications. Pr operly bleed the brake system.
14. Connect the negative battery cable.

BLEEDING

Fig. 1: Caliper bleeding