2005 Chevrolet Express 2500 Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Master Cylinder

Some vehicles use a conventional tandem master cylinder with two hydraulic pistons operating in-line. The primary piston controls the front brake system and the secondary piston controls the rear brake system.

Other models use a master cylinder that operates the same as the conventional master cylinder, but also incorporates a quick take-up feature in the rear chamber to reduce excessive pedal travel which may result from increased fluid displacement required to move the low drag caliper piston out against the rotor.

The quick take-up uses a spring-loaded ball check val...

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 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...

Removal

• Siphon ^2/3 of the brake fluid from master cylinder.
• Raise and support vehicle.
• Remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Compress caliper pistons until they bottom in bores using suitable clamp, Fig. .
• Disconnect brake hose at caliper by removing inlet fitting bolt.
• Remove mounting bolts and caliper.

Inspection

Should it become required to remove the caliper for installation of new components, clean components in denatured alcohol, wipe dry using lint-free cloths. Blow out drilled passages and holes using compressed air. Inspect dust boots for punctures or tears. If punctures or tears are...

The caliper mounts in a way that allows the caliper to move laterally inboard as the brake pads wear. The caliper housing is a one piece casting with the inboard side containing the piston bore. The piston seal also acts as a return mechanism for the piston.

Applying the brake pedal causes the hydraulic pressure that moves the caliper piston. The piston then forces the inboard brake pad against the inboard braking surface of the rotor. Increasing the force against...

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.
• ...