2003 Chevrolet Express 1500 Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

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...

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.
• ...

When wheel slip is detected during a brake application, the ABS enters anti-lock mode. During anti-lock braking, hydraulic pressure in the individual wheel circuits is controlled to prevent any wheel from slipping. A separate hydraulic line and specific solenoid valves are provided for each wheel. The ABS can decrease, hold, or increase hydraulic pressure to each wheel brake. The ABS cannot, however, increase hydraulic pressure above the amount which is transmitted by the master cylinder during braking.

During anti-lock braking, a series of rapid pulsations is felt in the brake pedal...

Aztek & Rendezvous

• Remove coolant reservoir, then relieve fuel system pressure as outlined under. "Precautions."
• Remove cruise control cable from module, then disconnect electrical connector from cruise control module.
• Remove cruise control module from bracket, then the front end sheet metal diagonal brace.
• Remove PCM cover from air cleaner housing, then the PCM and set aside.
• Remove air cleaner intake duct, then bolts from air cleaner assembly and housing.
• Remove fuel lines from pipes and vapor line, then disconnect fluid level sensor switch from brake master cylinder.
• Disc...

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...

Battery Ground Cable

Prior to service, dis...