1990 Chevrolet R2500 Suburban Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

REMOVAL

• Siphon two-thirds of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir serving front disc brakes.
• Raise vehicle, support on jack stands and remove front wheels.
• Bottom the caliper piston in bore. Insert a screwdriver between inboard shoe and piston, then pry piston back into bore. The piston can also be bottomed in the bore with a large C-clamp, Fig. .
• Remove support key retaining screw.
• Drive caliper support key and spring from steering knuckle with a suitable drift and hammer, Fig. .
• Lift caliper from anchor plate and off rotor, Fig. . Hang caliper from coil spring with wire. Do n...

EXCEPT TRACKER & 1990-91 C & K SERIES w/NON-SERVO BRAKES

• Raise and support vehicle, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove brake drum. If brake lining is dragging on brake drum, back off brake adjustment by rotating adjustment screw. Refer to individual truck chapter for procedure. If brake drum is rusted or corroded to axle flange and cannot be removed, lightly tap flange to drum mounting surface with a suitable hammer.
• Using brake spring pliers or equivalent, unhook primary and secondary return springs, Figs. through . Observe location of brake parts being removed to aid during ins...

In order to properly service power brake systems, a thorough understanding of the various power assist systems is necessary. These systems provide a mechanical assist, acting to increase the force applied to the master cylinder piston by the driver while decreasing the effort necessary to obtain acceptable stopping performance. Two basic types of power assist mechanisms are used: vacuum assist diaphragm assemblies which use engine vacuum and in some cases vacuum from an external vacuum pump, and hydraulic assist assemblies which use hydraulic pressure developed by an external pump (...

The caliper assembly, Fig. , slides on its mounting surfaces. Upon brake application, hydraulic pressure against the piston forces the inboard pad against the inboar...

REMOVAL

• Siphon enough brake fluid out of the master cylinder to bring fluid level to^1-3 full to avoid fluid overflow when the caliper piston is pushed back into its bore.
• Raise and support vehicle, remove front wheels.
• Using a C-clamp, as illustrated in Fig. , push piston back into its bore.
• Remove two mounting bolts and lift caliper away from disc.

DISASSEMBLE

• Disconnect hose from the caliper being careful not to lose copper washers.
• Remove caliper as outlined above.
• Drain brake fluid from caliper.
• Pad caliper interior with clean shop towels and apply compressed air to remove piston, Fi...

• Inspect components for damage or unusual wear. Replace as necessary.
• Inspect backing plate attaching bolts, and ensure they are tight.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Excessive fluid indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement. A slight amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, act...