1999 GMC C-SERIES power steering fluid

6-
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6-1
Section 6 Service and Appearance Care
Here you will find information about the care of your vehicle. This section begins with service and fuel information,
and then it shows how to check important fluid and lubricant levels. There is also technical information about your
vehicle, and a part devoted to its appearance care.
6
-2 Service
6
-4 Fuel (Gasoline Engine)
6
-5 Diesel Fuel Requirements and Fuel System
6
-6 Fuels in Foreign Countries (Gasoline Engines)
6
-7 Filling Your Tank
6
-8 Filling a Portable Fuel Container
6
-9 Checking Things Under the Hood
6
-11 Noise Control System
6
-13 Engine Oil (Gasoline Engine)
6
-17 Engine Oil (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
6
-17 Engine Air Cleaner/Filter
6
-18 Automatic Transmission Fluid
6
-19 Manual Transmission Fluid
6
-20 Rear Axle
6
-20 Rear Axle Shift Motor (Option)
6
-21 Radiator Pressure Cap (Gasoline Engines)
6
-22 Surge Tank Pressure Cap (Diesel Engines)
6
-22 Thermostat6
-23 Engine Coolant (Gasoline Engine)
6
-27 Engine Coolant (Caterpillar
Diesel Engine)
6
-28 Power Steering Fluid
6
-29 Windshield Washer Fluid
6
-30 Brakes
6
-36 Electric/Hydraulic Parking Brake Fluid
6
-42 Battery
6
-44 Other Service Items
6
-48 Tires
6
-59 Appearance Care
6
-59 Cleaning the Inside of Your Vehicle
6
-63 Cleaning the Outside Your Vehicle
6
-66 GM Vehicle Care/Appearance Materials
6
-67 Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)
6
-67 Service Parts Identification Label
6
-68 Electrical System
6
-74 Capacities and Specifications
6
-77 Air Conditioning Refrigerants
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6-28
Power Steering Fluid
See your Maintenance Schedule for when to check your
power steering fluid.
How To Check Power Steering Fluid
Check your power steering fluid only when the engine is
warm. If the engine isn't warm, you probably won't get
an accurate reading.
Vehicles with diesel engines
have a sight glass. If you
can see fluid in the glass,
you have enough.Other models have a cap with a dipstick. If you have
one, unscrew the cap and check the dipstick. It should be
between ADD and FULL (if the engine is warm).
If you need to add some, put in only enough of the
correct fluid to bring the level up to the FULL mark (if
you have the dipstick) or so you can see fluid in the
glass, if you have a sight glass.
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6-29 What to Use
To determine what kind of fluid to use, see
ªRecommended Fluids and Lubricantsº in the Index.
NOTICE:
When adding power steering fluid or making a
complete fluid change, always use the proper
fluid. Failure to use the proper fluid can cause
leaks and damage hoses and seals.
If your power steering fluid level is low, this can
cause the PRIMARY BRAKE or AUX BRAKE
warning lights to come on. If either light remains
on after you have added power steering fluid to
the proper level, then shut off the engine for
10 seconds. This should reset the brake warning
lights. If one or both lights stay on, though,
then see ªHydraulic Brake Warning Lightsº in
the Index.
Windshield Washer Fluid
What to Use
When you need windshield washer fluid, be sure to read
the manufacturer's instructions before use. If you will be
operating your vehicle in an area where the temperature
may fall below freezing, use a fluid that has sufficient
protection against freezing.
Adding Washer Fluid
Open the cap labeled WASHER FLUID ONLY.
Add washer fluid until the tank is full.
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7-17 99,000 Miles (165 000 km)

Engine oil and filter service. (3)(9)

Check fluid levels (or every 3 months, whichever
occurs first). (1)(2)(6)
100,000 Miles (166 000 km)

Change power steering fluid (or every 36 months,
whichever occurs first). (13)

Front axle service (or every 36 months, whichever
occurs first). (38)

Rear axle service
-- Eaton, Rockwell, Spicer Axles
(or every 12 months, whichever occurs first). (1)(37)

Exhaust brake service (if equipped). Check for
excessive spindle free play and smooth operation.
Lubricate ball joint cap.

Accelerator control cable replacement (diesel) (or
every 36 months, whichever occurs first). (19)

Air brake service (or every 12 months, or
3,600 hours, whichever occurs first). (44)
150,000 Miles (240 000 km)

Cooling system service (or every 60 months since
last service, whichever occurs first). (3)(35)
200,000 Miles (320 000 km)

Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the air brake
trailer supply valve (or every 2 years, or 7,200 hours,
whichever occurs first).
250,000 Miles (400 000 km)

Wheel bearings service -- Eaton Axle (oil-filled) (or
every 36 months, whichever occurs first). (2)(23)

Rear axle service
-- Eaton, Rockwell, Spicer Axles
(or every 36 months, whichever occurs first). (2)(37)

Manual transmission fluid replacement (or every
60 months, whichever occurs first).
300,000 Miles (480 000 km)

Remove, disassemble, clean and inspect the air brake
air dryer (or every 3 years, or 10,800 hours,
whichever occurs first). Replace dessicant on
Bendix
-Westinghouse units.
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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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7-19
(10) = Check clutch pedal for free travel. Press pedal
by hand until resistance is felt. Free travel should be
maintained at 1.5 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) measured
at the clutch pedal pad. Make checks at 3,000 miles
(5 000 km) and 6,000 miles (10 000 km) and then every
6,000 miles (10 000 km) thereafter.
(11) = Inspect rear axle air shift motor for fluid leaks.
Remove plug to check fluid level. Inspect air lines and
hoses for proper hook
-up, binding, leaks, etc. Inspect at
3,000 miles (5 000 km) and 24,000 miles (40 000 km)
and then every 24,000 miles (40 000 km) thereafter.
(12) = Chassis Lubrication Service: Lubricate all grease
fittings in front suspension, front axle and steering
linkage. DO NOT lubricate kingpin bushings with air
pressure equipment; instead, use a hand grease gun to
ensure complete purge and eliminate sealer cap
distortion. Lubricate transmission and shift linkage,
hood latches and hood hinges, parking brake lever pivot,
clevis pins and linkage, disc brake caliper rails, clutch
linkage and release bearing (if equipped), propeller shaft
slip joint, universal joint, brake camshaft bracket, slack
adjusters, pedal shaft, clutch cross shaft and clutch pedal
springs. Lubricate suspension, axle and steering linkage
more often when operating under dusty or muddy
conditions and in excessive off
-road use.(13) = Check steering system:

Look for damaged, loose or missing parts. Also
look for parts showing signs of wear or lack of
lubrication. Replace parts as needed. Also check
steering gear mounting bolts, pitman arm nut, gear
housing upper cover and side cover attaching bolts,
steering column mounting bolts and cardan
joint clamp bolts; tighten if necessary.
(See service manual.)

Inspect power steering hoses, tubes and fittings for
leaks. Hoses and lines must not be twisted, kinked or
tightly bent. Make sure clips, clamps, supporting
tubes and hoses are in place and properly secured.

Check steering gear for leakage around pitman shaft
and housing. If leakage is evident (lubricant
oozing out, not just oily film), leak should be
corrected immediately.
(14) = Check front and rear suspension. Look for
damaged, loose or missing parts or parts showing signs
of wear or lack of lubrication. Replace parts as needed.
(15) = Adjust tire pressures as indicated on the
Certification/Tire label for optimum tire life. See ªTiresº
in the Index for further details. Check tires for excessive
or abnormal wear or damage. Also check for damaged
wheels. Replace wheels and/or tires as needed.
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7-29
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Brake Caliper
Housing, Caliper
Support Spring
and Caliper
Support KeyAeroshell #5 Grease (GM Part
No. 12377969 or equivalent).
Air Brake
System Alcohol
EvaporatorCommercial grade of Methyl
Alcohol as specified in
GM 6015
-M.
Power Steering
SystemGM Power Steering Fluid
(GM Part No. 1052884
- 1 pint,
1050017
- 1 quart, or equivalent).
Manual
TransmissionSynthetic Manual Transmission
Fluid (GM Part No. 12345724) is
the recommended lubricant to use.
USAGEFLUID/LUBRICANT
Automatic
TransmissionSee the Allison Transmission
Operator's Manual for correct
Transmission Fluid.
Chassis
LubricationChassis Lubricant (GM Part
No. 12377985 or equivalent) or
lubricant meeting requirements
of NLGI # 2, Category LB
or GC
-LB.
Wheel Bearing
GreaseWheel Bearing Lubricant meeting
requirements of NLGI # 2,
Category GC or GC
-LB (GM
Part No. 1051344 or equivalent).
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9-7
New Vehicle ªBreak-Inº 2-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Night Vision 4-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Noise Control System 6-11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Odometer 2-53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Off-Road Recovery 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oil, Engine 6-13, 6-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Checks and Services 7-23 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications Order Form 8-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Owner Publications, Ordering 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Paint Spotting, Chemical 6-65 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Parking
Brake 2
-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Check 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Brake Indicator Light 2-60 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Over Things That Burn 2-29 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passing 4-12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power
Door Locks 2
-4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Option Fuses 6-69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering 4-9 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Steering Fluid 6-28 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Windows 2-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Power Take-Off (PTO) 4-31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pregnancy, Use of Safety Belts 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pressure Caps 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Problems on the Road 5-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Publications, Service and Owner 8-8 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator 5-25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Pressure Cap 6-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radiator Shutters 2-13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Radio Reception 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rear Axle 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Airshift Control 2-19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Differential Lock Control 2-41 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Fluid Capacity 6-76 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Shift Motor 6-20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tw o-Speed Electric Shift Control 2-17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Towing 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Recovery Tank, Coolant 5-22 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Refrigerants, Air Conditioning 6-77 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Releasing Air Operated Parking Brake 5-15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Remote Cassette Tape Player 3-10 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacement Wheels 6-57 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Safety Belts 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Reporting Safety Defects 8-6, 8-7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Restraints
Checking 1
-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Child 1-26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Head 1-3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Replacing Parts After a Crash 1-36 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
System Check 7-24 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Right Passenger Position 1-21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Roadside Assistance 8-5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Rocking Your Vehicle 5-38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
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