2000 Cadillac Escalade Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Master Cylinder

Some vehicles use a conventional tandem master cylinder with two hydraulic pistons operating in-line. The primary piston controls the front brake system and the secondary piston controls the rear brake system.

Other models use a master cylinder that operates the same as the conventional master cylinder, but also incorporates a quick take-up feature in the rear chamber to reduce excessive pedal travel which may result from increased fluid displacement required to move the low drag caliper piston out against the rotor.

The quick take-up uses a spring-loaded ball check val...

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 (...

Astro & Safari

• Apply parking brake.
• Disconnect reservoir and power steering hoses from booster.
• Remove master cylinder to brake booster retaining nuts.
• Position and support master cylinder away from booster. Do not remove hydraulic lines from master cylinder.
• Remove booster rod from top of brake pedal.
• Remove booster mounting nuts from inside of vehicle.
• Remove booster assembly and gasket.
• Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
• Torque booster mounting nuts to 27 ft. lbs.
• Torque master cylinder retaining nuts to 27 ft. lbs.
• Torque power steering hoses to booster n...

Service Brake

These brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that ensure correct lining-to-drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the vehicle is moving rearward or when the car comes to an uphill stop.

Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is necessary after the brake shoes have been relined or replaced, or when the length of the adjusting screw has been changed during some other service operation.

Frequent usage of an automatic transmission forward range to halt reverse vehicle motion may prevent the ...

General System

• Inspect components for damage or unusual wear. Replace as required.
• Inspect backing plate mounting bolts and ensure they are tight.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Excessive fluid indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement. Slight amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, acting as lubricant for cylinder pistons.
• Check adjuster screw operation. If satisfactory, lightly lubricate adjusting screw and washer with suitable brake lube. If operation is unsatisfactory, replace.
• C clean rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on backing plate using fi...

Disassemble

• Place accumulator compressor tool No. J-26889, or equivalent, around end of accumulator.
• Install nut onto stud as shown in Fig. , then depress the accumulator with a C-clamp.
• Remove retainer by using a punch.
• Release C-clamp and remove accumulator compressor tool.
• Remove accumulator, O-ring, retainer, plug and spring, Fig. .
• Remove retainer, output pushrod, baffle, piston return spring and retainer.
• Using a suitable saw, cut off eyelet of pedal rod, then remove the boot.
• Remove nut, bracket and bolts, then separate cover from housing.
• Remove piston assembly and seal...