1999 GMC C-SERIES brakes

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6-33 Four-Wheel and Six-Wheel Drum Brakes
(Air Only)
The brake drums should be removed 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.
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 brakes adjust
for wear.
Air Brake Systems (If Equipped)
If you have air brakes, it is important to get rid of
moisture in the system. Moisture will damage your
system if it isn't removed daily.There are two ways to do this. One is automatic if your
air
-brake vehicle has the optional moisture ejector. If
your vehicle doesn't have that option, however, you
must drain the air reservoirs every day.
Drain them at full system
pressure. To be sure you're
at full pressure, check
your air pressure gage.
It should read at least
100 psi (692 kPa).
Moisture Ejector (Option)
If you have air brakes with a moisture ejector, the valve
automatically ejects moisture from the reserve tank
when the air compressor cycles.
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6-34 Air Dryer (Option)
If your vehicle has air brakes, it may have an air dryer.
This collects and removes dirt, moisture or other foreign
matter from the air prior to entering the brake system. It
is mounted on the left frame rail.
If your dryer is a
Bendix
-Westinghouse, it
has a filter that you need to
change at intervals. See
your Maintenance Schedule
for more about servicing
this filter.
Alcohol Injector (Option)
If your vehicle has air brakes, it may have an alcohol
injector. It is on the frame or crossmember at the right
front corner of the vehicle.
The alcohol injector helps prevent moisture in the air
brake system from freezing. Use it only in cold weather,
32
F (0
C) or below.
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6-35
To turn it on in cold
weather, turn the valve so
that the word ON is on top.
When the temperature is
above freezing, turn the
valve to OFF.
During the cold weather season, you may find that you
need to check this bottle once a week.Replacing Brake System Parts
The braking system on a 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. Your vehicle
was designed and tested with top
-quality GM brake
parts. When you replace parts of your braking
system
-- for example, when your brake linings wear
down and you have to have new ones put in
-- be sure
you get new approved 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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6-40
ITEM NO. ITEM REMARKS
15 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
16 Transmission
-Auto*
Check fluid level.
17 Propshaft Slip Joint One fitting each joint; lubricate with GM Part
No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
18 Propshaft U
-Joints One fitting each joint (1480 and 1550 Series); lubricate
with GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant. Two
fittings each joint (1610 Series and larger); lubricate with
GM Part No. 1051344 Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
19 Rear Wheel Bearing Hand
-pack or lubricate.
20 Rear Axle Fill to level of filler plug.
21 Parking Brake Clevis Pin$ Apply chassis lubricant.
22 Master Cylinder $ Fill to 1/4, (6 mm) below opening.
23 Parking Brake Lever Pivot*$ Apply chassis lubricant.
* Applies to some vehicles.
 Applies to air brakes only.

Refer to Allison Transmission Operator's Manual.
$ Applies to hydraulic brakes only.
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7-18 Footnotes

= The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency or the
California Air Resources Board has determined that the
failure to perform this maintenance item will not nullify
the emission warranty or limit recall liability prior to the
completion of the vehicle's useful life. We, however,
urge that all recommended maintenance services be
performed at the indicated intervals and the maintenance
be recorded.
(1) = If your vehicle has an Allison automatic
transmission, your GM Owner's Manual is
supplemented by an Allison Transmission Operator's
Manual. Always refer to these manuals for related
maintenance services.
(2) = Check the fluid level in the manual transmission.
(3) = An Emission Control Service.
(4) = A Noise Emission Control Device.
(5) = Applies only to vehicles sold in the United States.
(6) = Check fluid level in brake master cylinder, clutch
master cylinder (if equipped), power steering pump,
axle, transmission and hydraulic spring parking brake
pump (if equipped). A low fluid level in the brake
master cylinder can indicate worn brake linings and
should be checked accordingly.(7) = 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. Check
brake pedal for excessive free play or travel (or every
6 months, whichever occurs first) and have serviced if
needed. Check brakes more often if driving habits and
conditions result in frequent braking.
(8) = Inspect hydraulic parking brake drum and linings
for wear or cracks and check linkage and adjustment.
Check spring brake actuator and pump for leaks.
Note: The spring brake section of the actuator is
non
-serviceable.
(9) = This vehicle has an Engine Oil Life Monitor. This
monitor will show you when to change the engine oil
and filter
-- usually between 3,000 miles (5 000 km) and
7,500 miles (12 500 km) since your last oil change.
Under severe conditions, the indicator may come on
before 3,000 miles (5 000 km). Never drive your vehicle
more than 7,500 miles (12 500 km) or 12 months
without an oil and filter change.
The system won't detect dust in the oil. So if you drive
in a dusty area, be sure to change your oil and filter
every 3,000 miles (5 000 km) or sooner if the Change
Oil Light comes on. Remember to reset the Oil Life
Monitor whenever the oil is changed. For more
information, see ªChange Oil Lightº in the Index.
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7-21
(25) = Check thermostatically controlled air cleaner
installation to make certain that all ducts are connected and
correctly installed. Also, check valve for proper operation.
(26) = Evaporative Control System Service (if equipped):
Check all fuel and vapor lines and hoses for proper
connections and correct routing (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Replace parts as needed.
(27) = Replace air cleaner filter (or every 24 months,
whichever occurs first). Replace filter more often if
driving in dusty conditions. Ask your dealer for the
proper replacement intervals for your driving conditions.
(28) = Replace spark plugs. Inspect wires for damage.
Check the wire boot and boot heat shield fit at spark
plugs and coil. Replace parts as needed.
(30) = Check the fuel tank, fuel cap and fuel lines for
damage which could cause leakage. Inspect fuel cap for
correct sealing ability and any indications of damage.
Check fuel cap gasket for even filler neck imprint.
Replace parts as needed.
(31) = Check EGR system as described in the service
manual. See ªService and Owner Publicationsº in the Index.
(32) = Inspect Electronic Vacuum Regulator Valve
(EVRV) filter for excessive contamination or plugging.
If needed, clean filter with solution of soap and water,
let dry and install.(33) = Check the PCV system for proper operation and
clean PCV valve. Replace hoses as needed.
(34) = Replace PCV valve and blow out the PCV valve
hose with compressed air. Replace hoses as needed.
(35) = Drain, flush and refill cooling system. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index for
what to use. Inspect hoses. Clean radiator, condenser,
pressure cap and neck. Pressure test cooling system and
pressure cap. For Caterpillar
 diesel engines, always refer
to the Caterpillar Diesel Engine Operation & Maintenance
Manual for coolant recommendations and change intervals.
(37) = Rear axle service: Change the lubricant. See
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
(38) = Front axle service: Re
-pack upper kingpin
roller bearing.
(39) = Air brake service:

Inspect brake lines and hoses for proper hook
-up,
binding, leaks, cracks, chafing, etc. Inspect drum
brake linings for wear or cracks. Inspect other brake
parts at each wheel, including drums, wheel cylinders
and piston heat shields and boots. Check brake pedal
for excessive free play or travel (or every 6 months,
whichever occurs first) and have serviced if needed.
Check brakes more often if driving habits and
conditions result in frequent braking.
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7-25
Starter Switch Check
CAUTION:
When you are doing this check, the vehicle could
move suddenly. If it does, you or others could be
injured. Follow the steps below.
1. Before you start, be sure you have enough room
around the vehicle.
2. Firmly apply both the parking brake (see ªParking
Brakeº in the Index if necessary) and the
regular brakes.
NOTE: Do not use the accelerator pedal, and be
ready to turn off the engine immediately if it starts.
3. On automatic transmission vehicles, try to start the
engine in each gear. The starter should work only in
PARK (P), if equipped, or NEUTRAL (N). If the
starter works in any other position, your vehicle
needs service.Automatic Transmission Shift Indicator Check
Check that the indicator points to the gear chosen.
Steering Check
Be alert for any changes in steering action, abnormal
front tire wear or steering wheel position. An inspection
or service is needed when the steering wheel is harder to
turn or has too much free play, or if there are strange
sounds when turning or parking.
Brake System Check
Be alert to illumination of the low air warning lamp or
for the tone alarm, or changes in braking action, such as
repeated pulling to one side, unusual sounds when
braking or increased brake pedal travel. Make sure air
brake system reservoirs are drained daily with full
system air pressure, and check system for leaks. Any of
these conditions could indicate the need for brake
system inspection and/or service.
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8-8
CURRENT PUBLICATIONS FOR 1999 GMC
SERVICE MANUALS
Service Manuals have the diagnosis and repair information
on engines, transmission, axle, suspension, brakes,
electrical, steering, body, etc.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $90.00
TRANSMISSION, TRANSAXLE, TRANSFER CASE
UNIT REPAIR MANUAL
This manual provides information on unit repair service
procedures, adjustments and specifications for the
1999 GM transmissions, transaxles and transfer cases.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $50.00
SERVICE BULLETINS
Service Bulletins give technical service information needed
to knowledgeably service General Motors cars and trucks.
Each bulletin contains instructions to assist in the
diagnosis and service of your vehicle.OWNER'S INFORMATION
Owner publications are written directly for Owners and
intended to provide basic operational information about the
vehicle. The owner's manual will include the Maintenance
Schedule for all models.
In-Portfolio: Includes a Portfolio, Owner's Manual and
Warranty Booklet.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $15.00
Without Portfolio: Owner's Manual only.
RETAIL SELL PRICE: $10.00
CURRENT & PAST MODEL ORDER FORMS
Service Publications are available for current and past
model GM vehicles. To request an order form, please
specify year and model name of the vehicle.
PLEASE COMPLETE THE ORDER FORM SHOWN ON
THE FOLLOWING PAGE AND MAIL TO:
Helm, Incorporated
P.O. Box 07130
Detroit, MI 48207OR ORDER TOLL FREE: 1-800-551-4123
Monday-Friday 8:00 AM ± 6:00 PM Eastern Time
For Credit Card Orders Only (VISA±MasterCard±Discover)
1999 GMC SERVICE PUBLICATIONS ORDERING INFORMATION
The following publications covering the operation and servicing of your vehicle can be purchased by filling out
the Service Publication Order Form in this book and mailing it in with your check, money order,
or credit card information to Helm, Incorporated (address below.)
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