GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 50
DISC BRAKES
Instead of the traditional ex
panding brakes that press out ward against a circular
drum, disc brake systems utilize a disc (rotor) with brake pads positioned on
either side of it. An easily-seen analog y is the hand brake arrangement on a
bicycle. The pads squeeze onto the rim of the bike wheel, slowing its motion.
Automobile disc brakes use the identical principle but apply the braking effort to
a separate disc instead of the wheel.
The disc (rotor) is a casting, usually eq uipped with cooling fins between the two
braking surfaces. This enables air to ci rculate between the braking surfaces
making them less sensitive to heat bui ldup and more resistant to fade. Dirt and
water do not drastically affect braking ac tion since contaminants are thrown off
by the centrifugal action of the rotor or scraped off the by the pads. Also, the
equal clamping action of the two brake pad s tends to ensure uniform, straight
line stops. Disc brakes are inherently se lf-adjusting. There are three general
types of disc brake:
1. A fixed caliper.
2. A floating caliper.
3. A sliding caliper.
The fixed caliper design uses two pistons mounted on either side of the rotor (in
each side of the caliper). The caliper is mounted rigidly and does not move.
The sliding and floating designs are quite similar. In fact, these two types are
often lumped together. In both designs, the pad on the inside of the rotor is
moved into contact with the rotor by hy draulic force. The caliper, which is not
held in a fixed position, moves slightly, bringing the outside pad into contact with
the rotor. There are various methods of attaching floating calipers. Some pivot
at the bottom or top, and some slide on mounting bolts. In any event, the end
result is the same.
DRUM BRAKES
Drum brakes employ two brake shoes mounted on a st ationary backing plate.
These shoes are positioned inside a circul ar drum which rotates with the wheel
assembly. The shoes are held in place by springs. This allows them to slide
toward the drums (when they are applied) while keeping the linings and drums
in alignment. The shoes are actuated by a wheel cylinder which is mounted at
the top of the backing plat e. When the brakes are app lied, hydraulic pressure
forces the wheel cylinder's actuating links outward. Since these links bear
directly against the top of the brake s hoes, the tops of the shoes are then forced
against the inner side of the drum. This action forces the bottoms of the two
shoes to contact the brake drum by rotati ng the entire assembly slightly (known
as servo action). When pressure within the wheel cylinder is relaxed, return
springs pull the shoes back away from the drum.
Most modern drum brakes are designed to self-adjust themselves during
application when the vehicle is moving in reverse. This motion causes both
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 300
Fig. 1: Clutch assembly
5. Install an alignment tool to support the clutch assembly during removal.
Mark the flywheel and clutch cover for reinstallation, if they do not
already have X marks.
6. Loosen the clutch-to-flywheel attachi ng bolts evenly, one turn at a time,
until spring pressure is released. Remo ve the bolts and clutch assembly.
To install: 7. Clean the pressure plate and flywheel face.
8. Support the clutch di sc and pressure plate with an alignment tool. The
driven disc is installed with the damper springs on the transmission side.
9. Turn the clutch assembly until t he mark on the cover lines up with the
mark on the flywheel, then install t he bolts. Tighten down evenly and
gradually to avoid distortion.
10. Remove the alignment tool.
11. Lubricate the ball socket and fork fi ngers at the release bearing end with
high melting point greas e. Lubricate the recess on the inside of the
throwout bearing and throwout fork groove with a light coat of graphite
grease.
12. Install the clutch fork and dust boot into the housing. Install the throwout
bearing to the throwout fork. Insta ll the flywheel housing. Install the
transmission.
13. Connect the fork push rod and spri ng. Lubricate the spring and pushrod
ends.
14. Adjust the shift linkage and clutch pedal free-play.
GM – CAMARO 1982-1992 – Repair Guide (Checked by WxMax) 835
FRONT END ALIGNMENT
DESCRIPTION
Fig. 1: Alignment characteristics
CAMBER
Camber is the inward or outward tilting of the front wheels from the vertical.
When the wheels tilt outward at the top, the camber is said to be positive (+).
When the wheels tilt inward at the top, the camber is said to be negative (-). The
amount of tilt is measured in degrees from the vertical and this measurement is
called the camber angle.
CASTER
Caster is the tilting of the front steering axis either fo rward or backward from the
vertical. A backward tilt is said to be posit ive (+) and a forward tilt is said to be
negative (-).
TOE
Toe is the turning in of t he front wheels. The actual am ount of toe-in or toe-out
is normally only a fraction of a degree. T he purpose of toe is to ensure parallel
rolling of the front wheels. Excessive t oe-in or toe-out will cause tire wear.
