Contents: Conventional type braking system ↧ Hydraulic system ↧ Pressure relief valves ↧ Brake booster ↧ Anti-lock braking system (ABS) ↧ Parking brake ↧ Service ↧
Conventional type braking system
The vehicles described in this manual are equipped with hydraulic front and rear brake systems. The front brakes are disc type, and the rear ones are drum type. Both front and rear brakes are self-adjusting, with automatic compensation for brake pad wear.
Hydraulic system
The hydraulic system consists of two separate circuits. The master cylinder has separate reservoirs for each circuit, and if there is a leak or fault in one hydraulic circuit, the other circuit will continue to operate. A warning lamp for a malfunction of the brake circuit or the presence of air in the brake system is displayed on the instrument panel.
Pressure relief valves
To ensure better distribution of braking force during braking, brake force distribution valves are provided. These valves provide more force to the front wheel brakes (under certain types of braking), because the rear of the car is lighter and does not require as much braking force.
Brake booster
A vacuum brake booster is installed on the engine compartment bulkhead.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS)
This system is installed upon request. The braking system is equipped with a computer, wheel speed sensors and a hydraulic pump, which replaces the master cylinder and brake booster.
ABS is activated when the wheel is about to lock (lost traction). Wheel speed sensors are used to determine when a wheel is about to lose traction when braking. At the same time, the brake fluid pressure on the wheel that may lose traction decreases. ABS testing is only carried out in a specialized workshop.
Note: ABS is equipped with a self-diagnostic system similar to the system that issues engine fault codes. However, to access these codes you must use the Tech 1 diagnostic computer (N94-00101A), connected to the ALDL connector. Any malfunctions of the anti-lock braking system must be repaired in a service or repair shop.
Parking brake
The parking brake acts only on the rear brakes, via a cable. The cable is tensioned by a pedal installed to the left of the brake pedal.
Service
Note: On vehicles equipped with the Delco Loc II audio system, be sure to disable the Loc II audio system before performing any work that involves disconnecting the battery.
After completing any operation that involves disassembling any part of the brake system, always road test the vehicle to verify proper operation of the brake system before returning to normal driving. When testing brakes, perform the test on a clean, dry, level surface. If this is done under other conditions, incorrect test results may be obtained.
Test the brakes at various speeds, applying both light and heavy pressure on the brake pedal. The car must stop without being pulled to any side. Avoid locking the brakes as this will wear the tires and reduce braking efficiency and vehicle control.
The condition of the tyres, the vehicle load and the alignment of the front wheels are also factors that significantly affect braking performance.