Suspension - Modification To Rear & Affects On Braking
85-855 (V)
MAY, 1985
Subject: REVISED REAR SUSPENSION ON VEHICLES WITH HEIGHT SENSING PROPORTIONING BRAKE SYSTEMS
Model and Year: 1984 AND 1985 C/K 30
TO: ALL CHEVROLET DEALERS
This updates Chevrolet Dealer Service Technical Bulletin 83-T-61, dated July, 1983, for model years 1984 and 1985.
1984-1985 C/K 30 series trucks are equipped with a rear suspension height sensing device that optimizes the brake proportioning valve setting for the load the vehicle is carrying. The height sensing system "fine tunes" the brake balance in vehicles subjected to a range of loading conditions.
Occasionally, vehicle modifications by body builders or owners influence the height sensing device. If a vehicle has had rear suspension modifications that affect its trim height or the spring rate, and the driver complains about the brake modulation characteristics of the vehicle, it is recommended that the height sensing system be removed and the brake system be revised as described below:
Figure No. 1:
1. Detach rear brake hose from lever and bracket assembly. Reference Figure No. 1.
2. Remove lever assembly and bracket from axle.
Figure No. 2:
3. Install rear brake hose bracket (P/N 348978) and spacer (P/N 2355099) with a 3/8-16 x 1.38 bolt (P/N 358000 - shorter bolt removed in Step No. 2) in the upper cover hole. Reference Figure No. 2. Use Loctite 75 or equivalent on the bolt threads.
4. Attach brake hose to bracket with bolt from original installation.
5. Install a 3/8-16 x 1-3/4 bolt (P/N 9439637 - longer bolt removed in Step No. 2) through spacer P/N 14055556 (removed in Step No. 2) in remaining axle cover attaching hole. Use Loctite 75 on bolt threads equivalent.
Figure No. 1:
6. Disconnect brake pipes from height sensing valve and brake hose, and discard short brake pipe. Reference Figure No. 1.
7. Remove and discard height sensing valve, bracket, and bolts.
8. Carefully reposition the rear brake pipe, and connect it to the rear brake hose.
9. Bleed and test brake system per Section 5 of the appropriate Light Duty Service Manual.