2002 Chevrolet Express 2500 Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Certain general service procedures apply, regardless of whether the brakes are vacuum or hydraulically assisted. Only top quality, clean brake fluid should be used. More seals and valves are used with power brake systems than with ordinary brakes, so an inferior brake fluid will do much more damage. For the same reason, ensure all dirt is kept out of the system. Additionally, on models with hydraulic assist brakes, care must be taken not to mix the fluids of the booster hydraulic system and brake hydraulic system as the fluids are not compatible.

If the power unit fails, the brak...

Hard Pedal

• Internal vacuum leak.
• Faulty control valve.
• Broken or damaged hydraulic brake lines.
• Collapsed or damaged vacuum hose.
• Plugged or loose vacuum fitting.
• Bad stud welds on front or rear housing on power head.
• Faulty booster diaphragm.
• Restricted air filter element.
• Worn or distorted reaction plate or levers.
• Cracked or broken pow...

In order to properly service power brake systems, a thorough understanding of the power assist system is required. These systems provide a mechanical assist, acting to increase the force applied to the master cylinder piston by the driver while decreasing the effort required to obtain acceptable stopping performance.

Hydraulic assist units incorporate a basic open center spool valve, hydraulic cylinder and an accumulator assembly in a common housing. When the brake pedal is depressed, the hydraulic piston moves forward closing off fluid relief passages, the spool valve applies fluid ...

Brake System Bleed

Gravity and vacuum bleeding procedures are not recommended for use with the anti-lock brake system. The manual bleed procedure is the preferred method, although pressure bleeding is also possible. Do not pump the brake pedal during the bleeding process, as fluid aeration may occur.

Manual Bleed

• Raise and support vehicle, then connect a clear plastic tube to brake bleed screw at righthand rear wheel.
• Place free end of tube in a glass jar partially filled with clean brake fluid. Ensure end of tube remains submerged in fluid and master cylinder reservoir is kept full.
• ...

Disassemble

• Place accumulator compressor tool No. J-26889, or equivalent, around end of accumulator.
• Install nut onto stud as in. Fig. , then depress 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.
• Cut off eyelet of pedal rod, then remove boot.
• Remove nut, bracket and bolts, then separate cover from housing.
• Remove piston assembly and seals.
• Remove spool valve, then the accu...

In order to properly service power brake systems, a thorough understanding of the various power assist systems is required. These systems provide a mechanical assist, acting to increase the force applied to the master cylinder piston by the driver while decreasing the effort required 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 (us...