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) 197
PUMP IN WASHER TANK
1. Drain the washer tank and disconnect the wire connectors.
2. Disconnect and remove the reservoir
3. Remove the washer pump from the reservoir.
4. Installation is the reverse of t he removal procedure. Ensure pump is
pushed fully into the reservoir.
INSTRUMENTS AND SWITCHES
INSTRUMENT CLUSTER
REMOVAL & INSTALLATION
SPORT COUPE MODEL 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument cluster bezel.
3. Remove the cluster attachment screws.
4. Pull the cluster out. Disconnect t he speedometer cable and electrical
connections.
5. Remove the cluster lens.
6. Install the cluster lens.
7. Connect the speedometer and electrical connections.
8. Push the cluster in.
9. Install the cluster attachment screws.
10. Install the instrument cluster bezel.
11. Connect the negative battery cable.
BERLINETTA MODEL 1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the instrument cluster bezel.
3. Remove the 8 steering column tr im cover screws and trim cover.
4. Remove the right and left hand pod a ttaching screws at the bottom front
of each pod. Pull the pods rearward and disconnect the electrical
connection.
5. Remove the 5 cluster lens screws and lens.
6. Remove the 2 steering column bolts and lower the column.
7. Pull the instrument cluster rear ward and disconnect the electrical
connection. Remove the instrument cluster.
8. To install, position the inst rument cluster into place.
9. Connect the electrical connection and push the cluster forward.
10. Lift the column and install the 2 steering column bolts.
11. Install the lens and install the 5 cluster lens screws.
12. Connect the electrical connection to each pod and push forward. Install
the right and left hand pod attaching scr ews at the bottom front of each
pod. Pull the pods rearward and disconnect the electrical connection.
13. Install the trim cover and install th e 8 steering column trim cover screws.
14. Install the instrument cluster bezel.
