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...

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 because of 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 excessiv...

C & K Series

Duo-Servo

Removal

• Raise and support vehicle.
• Mark relationship of wheel to hub, then remove tire and wheel assembly.
• On models equipped with full-floating axles, remove hub and drum assembly as outlined in. "Drive Axles."
• On models equipped with semi-floating axles, proceed as follows:
• Install pin into park brake lever.
• Mark relationship of drum to axle.
• Remove rear brake drum retainers, as required.
• Remove rear brake drum.
• On all models, remove return springs and shoe guide,. Fig. .
• Remove brake hold down springs and pins.
• Disconnect actuator lever and pivot.
• Remove lever return sp...

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 vehicle comes to an uphill stop.

Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is required 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 t...

Manual Bleed

• If vehicle is equipped with power brakes, remove vacuum reserve by applying brakes several times with engine off.
• Fill master cylinder reservoirs with suitable brake fluid.. Ensure to always keep master cylinder reservoirs at least half full during entire bleeding procedure.
• If master cylinder is suspected to have air in the bore, it must be bled first. To bleed master cylinder, proceed as follows:
• Disconnect forward brake pipe connection at master cylinder.
• Allow brake fluid to fill master cylinder bore until it begins to flow from forward pipe connector port.
• Connect...