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NOTICE:
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Using the wrong fluid can badly damage
brake system parts. For example,.just a few
drops of mineral-based oil, such
as engine
oil,
in your brake system can damage brake
system parts
so badly that they’ll have to be
replaced. Don’t let someone put in the
wrong kind of fluid.
If you spill brake fluid on your vehicle’s
painted surfaces, the paint finish can be
damaged. Be careful not to spill brake
fluid on your vehicle.
If you do, wash it
off immediately. See &‘Appearance Care”
in
the Index.
Brake Wear
If you have a C 3500 HD model, it has four-wheel
disc brakes.
Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that
make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake
pads are worn and
new pads are needed. The sound
may come and
go or be heard all the time your vehicle
is moving (except when you are pushing on the brake
pedal firmly).
A’ CAUTION:
I
The brake wear warning sound means that
sooner or later your brakes won’t work well.
That could lead to an accident. When you hear
the brake wear warning sound, have your vehicle serviced.
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NOTICE: .
Continuing to drive with worn-out brake pads
could result in costly brake repair.
Some driving conditions or climates may cause a brake
squeal when the brakes are first applied or lightly
applied. This does not mean something is wrong with
your brakes.
Free movement
of brake calipers and properly torqued
wheel nuts
are necessary to help prevent brake
pulsation. When tires
are rotated, inspect.brake calipers
for movement, brake pads for wear, and evenly torque
wheel nuts in the proper sequence
to GM specifications.
If you have rear drum brakes, they don’t have wear
indicators, but
if you ever hear a rear brake rubbing
noise, have the rear brake linings inspected.
Also, the
rear brake drums should be remoQed and inspected each
time the tires are removed for rotation or changing.
When you have the front brakes replaced, have the rear
brakes inspected,
too. I
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
Brake Pedal Travel
See your dealer if the brake pedal does not return to
normal height, or if there is a rapid increase in pedal
travel. This could be a sign of brake trouble.
Brake Adjustment
Every time you make a brake stop, your disc brakes
adjust for wear.
If your brake pedal goes down farther than normal, your
rear drum brakes may need adjustment. Adjust them by
backing up and firmly applying the brakes a few times.
Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a modern vehicle is complex. Its
many parts have to be
of top quality and work well
together if the vehicle is to have really good braking.
Vehicles we design and test have top-quality
GM brake
parts
in them, as your vehicle does when it is new. When
you replace parts of your braking system -- for example,
when- your brhke linings wear do.wn and you have
to
haye new ones put in -- be sure you get new genuine
GM replacement parts. If you don’t, your brakes may
no longer work properly. For example,
if someone
puts in brake linings that are wrong for your vehicle,
the balance between your front and rear brakes can
change
-- for the worse. The braking performance
you’ve come to expect can change
in many other ways
if someone puts in the wrong replacement brake parts.
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Drive Axle Service
Check readfront axle fluid level and add its needed.
Check constant velocity joints and axle seals for leaking.
Transfer Case (Four-wheel Drive)
Inspection
Every 12 months or at oil change intervals, check front
axle and transfer case and add lubricant
when necessary.
Oil
the control lever pivot point and all exposed control
linkage. Check
vent hose at transfer case for kinks and
proper installation. More frequent lubrication
may be
required
on off-road use.
Brake System Inspection
Inspect the complete system. Inspect brake lines and
hoses for proper hook-up, binding, leaks, cracks,
chafing, etc. Inspect disc brake pads for wear and rotors
for surface condition. For vehicles with rear drum
brakes, also inspect drum brake linings for wear and
cracks. Inspect other brake parts, including drums,
wheel cylinders, calipers, parking brake, etc. Check
parking brake adjustment. You may need to have your
brakes inspected more often
if your driving habits or
conditions result
in frequent braking.
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