2003 Saturn VUE Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

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...

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...

2WD Models

Except Montana, Silhouette, Trans Sport & Venture

Front

• Raise and support vehicle.
• Remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove caliper as outlined in. "Caliper Service."
• Remove grease cap from hub/rotor,. Fig. .
• Remove cotter pin, nut and washer.
• Remove hub/rotor from spindle, being careful not to damage spindle threads or outer bearing.
• Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
• Apply high-temperature wheel bearing grease to inner and outer wheel bearings.
• Torque nut to 12 ft. lbs., while turning wheel assembly forward by hand, back nut off one flat or until hole in spindle...

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 ...

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.
• Inspect adjuster screw operation. If satisfactory, lightly lubricate adjusting screw and washer with suitable brake lube. If operation is unsatisfactory, replace.
• Clean rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on backing plate using fi...

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...