Examination
1. Approximately every 6 months, lift the vehicle, securely jack it up and check the brake hoses connected to the steel brake pipes on the front and rear brakes for cracks, jammed outer covers, leaks, and other damage. Such checks are very important, because these parts of the brake system are vulnerable and should be fully inspected. When conducting a thorough check, a flashlight and a small mirror can be very helpful. If the hose shows any of the above damage, replace it with a new one.
Replacement
Attention! This operation should not be performed on vehicles equipped with ABS, since special tools are required to properly bleed such brakes. Take the vehicle to a service shop or other repair shop that has the necessary tools.
Front brake hose
2. While holding with another wrench to avoid twisting, disconnect the brake hose, being careful not to bend the bracket or brake pipe (see illustrations).
8.2a. Using a small screwdriver, remove the retaining clip from the recess in the end of the brake line | 8.2b. When unscrewing the brake hoses, use a second (auxiliary) wrench to avoid kinking of hoses |
3. Use a pair of pliers to remove the female U-clip from the bracket, then separate the hose from the bracket.
4. Turn away a bolt at a hose from a support, then remove a hose and copper linings on both sides of a bolt.
5. When installing the hose, always use new copper gaskets on either side of the bolt and lubricate the bolt threads with clean brake fluid before screwing them in.
6. Once the hose is connected to the caliper mounting collar, attach the hose to the caliper.
7. Without bending the hose, insert the suction tube into the hose bracket. It enters the bracket in only one position.
8. Insert the U-clip that secures the intake hose to the frame bracket.
9. Using an auxiliary wrench to prevent the hose from twisting, connect the brake line to the hose.
10. After completing the installation of the brake hose, make sure that there are no bends on it. Make sure that the hose does not come into contact with any parts of the suspension. Check this by turning the wheels all the way to the left and right. If the hose is in contact with other suspension parts, remove the hose and correct the installation position.
Rear brake hose
11. Using the auxiliary key (to avoid twisting), disconnect the hose at both ends, being careful not to bend the bracket or steel pipes (see illustration 8.26).
12. Remove two U-clamps (collar) with pliers and separate the suction pipes from the brackets.
13. Turn away a fixing clamp of a hose and remove a hose.
14. Without twisting the hose, insert its receiving ends into the frame brackets. The hose enters the bracket in only one position.
15. Insert the U-clamps that secure the ends of the hose to the bracket.
16. Using an auxiliary wrench, connect the steel pipes to the hose. Be careful not to bend the bracket or steel pipe.
17. Be careful not to loosen the bracket when installing the hose. Tighten the bracket if necessary.
18. Fill the master cylinder reservoir and bleed the system (see section 9).
Steel pipeline brake system
19. If brake lines are being replaced, it is important to purchase the appropriate parts. Do not use copper pipes to connect any part of the brake system. Purchase the appropriate brake lines from your General Motors dealer or auto parts stores.
20. Automotive parts stores have pre-assembled brake lines with connectors installed. Such pipelines are already properly shaped.
21. If you do not find fully prepared and properly bent piping, obtain the recommended steel piping and fittings that fit the piping being replaced. Determine the required length by measuring the old pipeline (usually a piece of cord is used for this purpose) and cut the new tubing to length, adding approximately 0.5 inch to the nut ends.
22. Insert the nipple into the cut end of the tubing and terminate the ends of the tubing with a special ISO crimping tool.
23. If necessary, carefully bend the piping to the desired shape. It is recommended to use a pipe bender for this.
Attention! Do not damage or pinch the pipeline.
24. When installing a new pipeline, make sure that it is well held in the brackets and far enough away from moving or hot parts of the car.
25. After installation, check the fluid level in the master brake cylinder and add fluid if necessary. Bleed the brake system as described in the next section and road test the brakes before operating the vehicle normally.