2003 Oldsmobile Silhouette Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Lines & Linings

Remove one of the front wheels and inspect the brake disc, caliper and linings.

Do not allow any oil or grease on the linings. It is recommended that linings be replaced in sets when worn or damaged.

If the caliper is cracked or fluid leakage through the casting is evident, it must be replaced as a unit.

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 pumping is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness v...

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

ABS Automated Bleed

In most circumstances a base brake bleed is all that is required for most component replacements (such as wheel cylinders, calipers, brake tubes, and master cylinder) except for BPMV replacement.

The following automated ABS bleed procedure is required when one of the following occur: Manual bleeding at the wheel cylinders does not achieve the desired pedal height or feel. Brake Pressure Modulator Valve replacement (BPMV). Extreme loss of brake fluid has occurred. Air ingestion is suspected.

If none of the above conditions apply use standard blee...

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...

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...