Brake system of conventional type
The vehicles described in this manual are equipped with hydraulic front and rear brake systems. The front brakes are disc type and the rear brakes are drum type. Both front and rear brakes are self-adjusting, with automatic brake pad wear compensation.
Hydraulic system
The hydraulic system consists of two separate circuits. The brake master cylinder has separate reservoirs for each of the circuits, and in the event of a leak or malfunction in one hydraulic circuit, the other circuit will operate. The instrument panel displays a warning lamp for a malfunction of the brake circuit or the presence of air in the brake system.
Pressure relief valves
Brake force distribution valves are provided to ensure better distribution of the braking force when braking. These valves provide more force on the front wheel brakes (with certain types of braking), because the rear of the car is lighter and does not require as much braking force.
Brake booster
A vacuum brake booster is installed on the bulkhead of the engine compartment.
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)
This system is available upon request. The brake system is equipped with a computer, wheel speed sensors and a hydraulic pump that replaces the brake master cylinder and brake booster.
ABS kicks in when the wheel is almost locked (lost traction). Wheel speed sensors are used to determine when a wheel is about to lose traction under braking. This reduces brake fluid pressure on a wheel that may lose traction. The ABS test is carried out only in a specialized workshop.
Note. The ABS is equipped with a self-diagnostic system similar to the system that generates engine trouble codes. However, a Tech 1 diagnostic computer must be used to access these codes (N94-00101A), connected to the ALDL connector. Any malfunction of the anti-lock braking system must be repaired at a service or repair shop.
Parking brake
The parking brake acts only on the rear brakes, through a cable. The cable is tensioned by a pedal installed to the left of the brake pedal.
Service
Note. On vehicles equipped with the Delco Loc II audio system, be sure to disengage the audio system lock before doing any work to disconnect the battery.
Upon completion of any operation involving the disassembly of any part of the brake system, always test the vehicle on the road to verify proper operation of the brake system before resuming normal driving. When testing brakes, test on a clean, dry and level surface. If this is done under other conditions, incorrect test results may be obtained.
Test the brakes at various speeds by applying both light and strong pressure on the brake pedal. The vehicle must stop "withdrawal" to any side. Avoid locking up the brakes as this causes tire wear and reduces braking performance and vehicle handling.
Tire condition, vehicle loading and front wheel alignment are also factors that significantly affect braking performance.