2003 CHEVROLET C/K Owners Manual

6-43
What to Add
Use the proper fluid listed in your Maintenance
Schedule. Use new brake fluid from a sealed
container only.
Always clean the brake fluid reservoir cap/cover and the
area around the cap/cover before removing it. This will
help keep dirt from entering the reservoir.
CAUTION:
With the wrong kind of fluid in your brake
system, your brakes may not work well, or they
may not even work at all. This could cause a
crash. Always use the proper brake fluid.
NOTICE:

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, and don't use DOT
-5
silicone brake 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 ªAppearance Careº in
the Index.

6-44 Four-Wheel Disc Brakes (Hydraulic Only)
Your vehicle has four-wheel disc brakes.
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.
Brake linings should always be replaced as complete
axle sets.
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.

6-45 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.
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 need 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.

6-46 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 occasionally to be sure the
air dryer is working properly.
Drain the air brakes 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.
Air Dryer
If your vehicle has air brakes, you 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 passenger's side 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.

6-47 Electric Air Compressor (If Equipped)
Your vehicle may be equipped with an electric air
compressor. This compressor is used to run options that
require pressurized air, such as an air horn, air seat,
exhaust restrictor or an exhaust brake.
This air compressor is used when vehicles are not
equipped with an air brake system.
The air supply for this
system must be maintained
by releasing the drain
valve to eject any moisture
that may have built up in
the system.
It is recommended that this system be drained on a
weekly basis.
Clutch Pedal Free Travel
If you have a manual transmission, your clutch will need
adjustment when pedal free travel gets down to about
1/4 inch (32 mm), as measured at the clutch pedal pad.
You should have 1 1/2 to 2 inches (38 to 51 mm) of
clutch pedal free travel. See ªMaintenance Scheduleº in
the Index for more information.
If your clutch ever needs service, be sure to use only
genuine GM clutch replacement parts.
Chassis Lubrication
Your Maintenance Schedule provides all of the required
chassis lubrication intervals and identifies proper
lubricants to use. Be sure to see your Maintenance
Schedule before performing any chassis lubrication
service. To determine location of chassis lubrication
items, use the following charts.

6-48
Single Axle Models

6-49
ITEM NO. ITEM REMARKS
1
Brake Camshaft
One fitting each (apply sparingly).
2 Steering Column Slip Joint* One fitting.
3 Steering Drag Link Ends One fitting at each end.
4 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant
5 Pivot Points and Hinges Apply chassis lubricant.
6
Slack Adjuster
One fitting.
7 Brake Cam Roller Pins at
interface of pin and shoe
Apply engine oil.
8 Front Steering Knuckles
One fitting each side, lower bushing (hand
-operated
grease gun only). Hand
-pack upper bearing.
9 Front Wheel Bearings
Hand
-pack or lubricate.
10 Steering Tie Rod Ends One fitting each end.
11 Spring Slip Pads*
(Multi
-Leaf Only)Apply chassis lubricant.

6-50
ITEM NO. ITEM REMARKS
12 Clutch Release Bearing* Cup or fitting.
13 Battery Terminal
(except ªSTº type)Keep coated with petroleum jelly.
14 Transmission Fill to level of filler plug.
15 Propshaft Slip Joints Lubricate with GM Part No. 1051344
Wheel Bearing Lubricant.
16 Parking Brake Clevis Pins$ Apply chassis lubricant.
17 Parking Brake Lever Pivot*$ Apply chassis lubricant.
18 Clutch Release Cross Shaft,
Master Cylinder$Apply chassis lubricant, Fill to 1/4, (6 mm) below opening.
19 Release Bearing,
Clutch Cross ShaftTwo fittings, Apply chassis lubricant
20 Clutch Release Fork Two fittings.
* Applies to some vehicles.

Applies to air brakes only.

Refer to Allison Transmission Operator's Manual.
$ Applies to hydraulic brakes only.