1998 Chevrolet Prizm Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Pedal

Toyota/GM Single Diaphragm Type

• With engine running and brake pedal in rest position, measure distance between face of pedal and floor mat.
• If distance is not 5.79-6.18 inches, adjust pedal height as follows:
• Remove left lower instrument panel trim section and air duct.
• Loosen stop lamp switch sufficiently to gain clearance for pedal adjustment.
• Loosen locknut and rotate pedal pushrod as needed to obtain specified pedal height, then tighten locknut.
• Adjust position of brake light switch so that plunger lightly contacts pedal stopper and brake lamps are off when pedal is release...

• Inspect brake drum, shoes, strut, auto adjuster lever, springs and backing plate for wear, distortion, cracks or other abnormal conditions.
• If any parts are of doubtful strength or quality due to damage, heat discoloration, stress or wear, replace them.
• Measure brake drum inside diameter and the brake shoe lining thickness.
• Inspect lining and drum for proper contact.

Brake Drums

Any time the brake drums are removed for brake service, the braking surface diameter should be inspected with a suitable brake drum micrometer at several points to determine if they are within the safe oversize li...

Two basic types of power assist mechanisms are used: vacuum assist diaphragm assemblies, which use engine vacuum or, in some cases vacuum pressure developed by an external vacuum pump. The second type is a hydraulic pressure assist mechanism, which use pressure developed by an external pump (usually the power steering pump). Both systems act to increase the force exerted on the master cylinder piston by the operator. This in turn increases the hydraulic pressure delivered to the wheel cylinders, while decreasing driver effort necessary to obtain acceptable stopping performance.

V...

When working on or around brake assemblies, care must be taken to prevent breathing asbestos dust, as many manufacturers incorporate asbestos fibers in the production of brake linings. During routine service operations the amount of asbestos dust from brake lining wear is at a low level due to a chemical breakdown during use, and a few precautions will minimize exposure.

• Do not sand or grind brake linings unless suitable local exhaust ventilation equipment is used to prevent excessive asbestos exposure.
• Wear a suitable respirator approved for asbestos dust use during all repair proced...

Removal

Replace brake pads on one wheel at a time to prevent opposite side caliper piston from being forced out of bore.

• Remove caliper as described under "Caliper Service," leaving brake hose connected, and secure caliper aside.
• Remove two anti-rattle clips, then the brake pads, Fig. .
• Remove pad wear indicator plates and anti-squeal shims.
• Remove support plates.

Installation

• Install new support plates on cal...

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pulsation is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness variation. To check for this condition, measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from edge of disc. If thickness measu...