
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) 148
ARMING SENSOR  
The arming sensor is a protective switch
 located in the power feed side of the 
deployment loop. It is calibrated to clos e at low level velocity changes (lower 
than the discriminating sens ors). This assures that the inflator module is 
connected directly to the  36 volt output of the DERM  or battery voltage feed 
when either of the discrim inating sensors close.  
DISCRIMINATING SENSORS  
The discriminating sensors are wired in  parallel on the ground side of the 
deployment loop. These sensors are calib rated to close with velocity changes 
which are severe enough to warrant deployment.  
SIR COIL ASSEMBLY  
The SIR coil assembly consists of two cu rrent carrying coils. They are attached 
to the steering column and allow rotation  of the steering wheel while maintaining 
continuous contact of the deployment  loop to the inflator module.  
INFLATOR MODULES  
Each inflator module consists of an inflat able bag and an inflator (a canister of 
gas generating material with an initiati ng device). When the vehicle is in a 
frontal crash of sufficient force, current  flows through the deployment loops. 
Current flowing through the initiator ignite s the material in the inflator module. 
The gas produced from this reaction  rapidly inflates the air bag.  
 
Fig. 2: Forward discriminating se nsor location on 1990-1992 models  
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 200
9.  Lubricate the speedometer cable 
with an appropriate lubricant, being 
sure to cover the lower thirds of the cable.  
10. Insert the cable into the casi ng, then connect the cable and casing 
assembly to the speedometer.  
11. Install the instrument  cluster, then install the cluster attaching screws.  
12. Install the instrument  cluster trim plate.  
13. On models without cruise control,  connect the speedometer cable strap 
at the power brake booste r. On models with cruise control, connect the 
speedometer cable at the cr uise control transducer.  
14. Connect the negative battery cable at the battery.  
WIPER SWITCH 
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION  
The wiper switch is part  of the multi-function lever, located on the steering 
wheel column.   
1.  Disconnect the electrical connector  of the multi-function lever, located 
under the instrument panel.  
2.  Remove the protective cover from the wire.  
3.  Grasp the lever firmly, twist and  pull (the tang on the lever must align 
with the socket) the lever straight out.  
4.  Pull the wire through the steering column.  
To install:   5.  Slide a music wire tool through  the steering column and connect the 
lever wire to the tool wire; pull t he wire through the steering column.  
6.  Push the control lever into the sp ring loaded socket (be sure to align the 
tang).  
7.  Install the protective  cover to the wire.  
8.  Connect the electrical connector of the multi-function lever.  
HEADLIGHT SWITCH 
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION   1.  Disconnect the negative batte ry cable at the battery.  
2.  Remove the four screws from insi de the defroster duct (instrument panel 
pad securing screws).  
3.  Remove the screws which are under  the lip of the instrument panel pad.  
4.  Remove the instrument panel pad.  
5.  On models equipped with air condition ing, remove the instrument panel 
cluster bezel and the cluster.  
6.  Remove the radio speaker bracket.  
7.  Pull the headlamp  switch knob to the ON position, depress the locking 
button for the knob and shaft (locat ed on the switch), and remove the 
knob and shaft.  
8.  Remove the switch bezel (retainer).   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 364
5.  Drain the radiator and remove t
he radiator hoses. Disconnect the heater 
hoses and the transmission cooler lines.  
6.  Remove the upper half of the radi ator shroud, if equipped with a manual 
transmission. Remove the radiator  and fan shroud assembly, if equipped 
with an automatic transmission.  
7.  Disconnect the throttle linkage, includi ng the cruise control detent cable.  
8.  Remove the air conditioning compressor and lay aside.  
Do not disconnect the air conditioning lines.   
9.  Disconnect the power steering pump  and drain the fluid into a suitable 
container. Remove the vacuum brake booster line.  
10. Remove the distributor cap and spark plug wires.  
11. Disconnect the engine electrical  connection at the bulkhead connection 
and disconnect any necessary vacuum hoses.  
12. Working inside the vehicle, re move the right-hand hush panel and 
disconnect the ECM harness at the EC M. Raise and safely support the 
vehicle. Remove the right fenderwell  splash shield and feed the harness 
through the fenderwell.  
13. Disconnect the exhaust pipes at  the exhaust manifolds and remove 
exhaust system from the vehicle.  
14. Remove the flywheel cover and remo ve the converter bolts, if equipped 
with automatic transmission.  
15. Disconnect the transmission an d starter wire connections.  
16. Remove the bellhousing and t he motor mount through-bolts.  
17. Disconnect the clutch fork return  spring, if equipped with a manual 
transmission. Lower the vehicle.  
18. Relieve the fuel system pressu re. Disconnect the fuel lines.  
19. Support the transmission with a suit able jack. Attach an engine lifting 
device.  
20. Remove the engine assembly.  
To install:   21. Position the engine assembly in the vehicle.  
22. Attach the motor mount to engine br ackets and lower the engine in place. 
Remove the engine lifting device and the transmission jack.  
23. Raise and support the vehicle safely.  
24. Install the motor mount through-bolts and tighten the nuts to  specification. Install t he bellhousing bolts and tight en to 35 ft. lbs. (47 
Nm).  
25. On vehicles with automatic transmissi on, install the converter to flywheel 
attaching bolts to 46 ft. lbs. (63 Nm).  
26. Install the flywheel splash shield  and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm). 
Install the clutch return spring,  if equipped with manual transmission.  
27. Connect the starter wires and the fuel lines.  
28. Install the exhaust system.  
29. Lower the vehicle.  
30. Install the power steering pump and  the air conditioning compressor.   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 366
8.  Remove the air conditioning co
mpressor and lay aside. Remove the 
power steering pump and lay aside.  
Do not disconnect the air conditioning or power steering lines.   
9.  Remove the vacuum brake booster line.  
10. Remove the distributor cap and spark plug wires.  
11. Disconnect the necessary elec trical connections and hoses.  
12. Raise and safely support the vehicle.  
13. Disconnect the exhaust pipes  at the exhaust manifolds.  
14. Remove the flywheel cover and  remove the converter bolts.  
15. Disconnect the star ter wire connections.  
16. Remove the bellhousing and t he motor mount through-bolts.  
17. Lower the vehicle.  
18. Relieve the fuel system pressu re. Disconnect the fuel lines.  
19. Support the transmission with a suit able jack. Attach an engine lifting 
device.  
20. Remove the engine assembly.  
To install:   21. Position the engine assembly in the vehicle.  
22. Attach the motor mount to engine br ackets and lower the engine in place. 
Remove the engine lifting device and the transmission jack.  
23. Raise and support the vehicle safely.  
24. Install the motor mount through-bolts and tighten the nuts to 50 ft. lbs.  (68 Nm). Install the bellhousing bolts  and tighten to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).  
25. On vehicles with automatic transmissi on, install the converter to flywheel 
attaching bolts to 46 ft. lbs. (63 Nm).  
26. Install the flywheel splash shield  and tighten to 89 inch lbs. (10 Nm).  
27. Connect the starter wires and the fuel lines.  
28. Install the exhaust pipe  on the exhaust manifold.  
29. Lower the vehicle.  
30. Install the power steering pump and  the air conditioning compressor.  
31. Connect the necessary wires and hoses.  
32. Install the radiator, fan and fan sh roud. Connect the radiator and heater 
hoses and the transmission cooler lines.  
33. Connect the vacuum brake booster li ne, the throttle linkage and cruise 
control cable. Install  the distributor cap.  
34. Fill the cooling system with the  proper type and amount of coolant and 
the crankcase with the proper type of  oil to the correct level.  
35. Install the water pump drive bel t, the air cleaner duct and the hood.  
36. Connect the negative battery cable, st art the engine and check for leaks.  
 
 
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 367
5.0L AND 5.7L ENGINES  
 
Fig. 3: Engine mountin g points for the V8 
1.  Disconnect the negative battery cable.  
2.  Mark the location of the hood on  the hood hinges and remove the hood.  
3.  Remove the air cleaner.  
4.  Drain the cooling system.  
5.  Remove the radiator hoses.  
6.  Disconnect the transmission cooler li nes, the electrical connectors and 
retaining clips at the fan and  remove the fan and shroud.  
7.  Remove the radiator.  
8.  Remove the accessory drive belt.  
9.  Disconnect the throttle cable.  
10. Remove the plenum extension scr ews and the plenum extension, if 
equipped.  
11. Disconnect the spark plug wires  at the distributor and remove the 
distributor.  
12. Disconnect the necessary vacuum hoses and wiring.  
13. Disconnect the power  steering and air conditioning compressors from 
their respective brackets and lay them aside.  
14. Properly relieve the fuel system pressure. Disconnect the fuel lines.  
15. Disconnect the negative battery  cable at the engine block.  
16. Raise and safely support the vehicle.  
17. Remove the exhaust pipes  at the exhaust manifolds.  
18. Remove the flywheel cover and remove  the converter to flywheel bolts.  
19. Disconnect the starter wires.  
20. Remove the bellhousing bolts and  the motor mount through-bolts.  
21. Lower the vehicle.  
22. Support the transmission with a suitable jack.   

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 368
23. Remove the AIR/converter bracket 
and ground wires from the rear of the 
cylinder head.  
24. Attach a suitable lifting devic e and remove the engine assembly.  
To install:   25. Position the engine assembly in the vehicle.  
26. Attach the motor mount to engine  brackets and lower the engine into 
place.  
27. Remove the engine lifting device and the transmission jack.  
28. Raise and safely support the vehicle.  
29. Install the motor mount through-bolts  and tighten to 50 ft. lbs. (68 (Nm).  
30. Install the bellhousing bolts and  tighten to 35 ft. lbs. (47 Nm).  
31. On vehicles with automatic transmissi on, install the converter to flywheel 
bolts. Tighten the bolts to 46 ft. lbs. ( 63 Nm). Install the flywheel cover.  
32. Connect the starter wires and the fuel lines.  
33. Connect the exhaust pipe at  the exhaust manifold.  
34. Lower the vehicle.  
35. Connect the necessary wires and hoses.  
36. Install the power steering pump and  air conditioning compressor in their 
respective brackets.  
37. Install the radiator, fan and fan sh roud, radiator hoses and heater hoses.  
38. Connect the transmission cooler  lines and cooling fan electrical 
connectors.  
39. Install the distributor.  
40. Install the plenum ex tension, if equipped.  
41. Fill the cooling system with the  proper type and quantity of coolant and 
the crankcase with the proper type of  oil to the correct level.  
42. Install the air cleaner and the hood.  
43. Connect the negative battery cable,  start the engine, check for leaks and 
check timing.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  

GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 406
10. Fill the cooling syst
em, start the engine and check for leaks.  
V6 ENGINES   1.  Disconnect the negative battery cable.  
2.  Drain the cooling system.  
3.  Remove the air intake duct and air cleaner, if necessary.  
4.  Remove the drive belt.  
5.  Disconnect the heater  and radiator hoses from the water pump.  
6.  Remove the power steering pump bracket and swing aside.  
7.  Remove the water pump bolts. Mark  the bolts to their corresponding 
locations for proper installation.  
To install:   8.  Clean the gasket surface.  
9.  Install the water pump with a new  gasket. Apply sealer to the bolt 
threads.  
10. Tighten the large bolts to 25 ft lbs. ( 34 Nm), medium bolts to 15 ft lbs. (21 
Nm) and the small bolts to 88 inch lbs. (10 Nm).  
11. Install the power steering pump bracket.  
12. Connect the heater and radiator hoses.  
13. Install the drive belt.  
14. Install the air cleaner and duct.  
15. Fill the cooling syst em. Start the engine and check for leaks.  
V8 ENGINES  
 
Fig. 2: Removing the heater hoses