Service Procedure
Tools Required (for brake pipe replacement, if required)J 29532 Diaphragm Type Brake Pressure Bleeder, or equivalent
J 35589-A Brake Pressure Bleeder Adapter
The following procedure provides instruction for inspecting, and if necessary, replacing the brake pipe located between the left front brake caliper flex hose and the ABS modulator.
Inspection Procedure
1. Place the vehicle on a suitable hoist and turn the steering wheel to the full right.
2. Open the hood.
3. Raise and support the vehicle.
4. Clean and remove any dirt from the left front brake pipe and flare nut (3) where it connects to the left front caliper flex hose (4).
5. Carefully inspect the brake pipe where it goes into the flare nut for a tooling mark (1) as shown above. The mark may be located at any point around the circumference of the pipe and a mirror and flashlight may be required to see it. There will NOT be any of the spiral lines or grooves (2) in the tooling mark.
^ If the tooling mark IS present (1), then the brake pipe does NOT need to be replaced. Lower the vehicle and install the GM Recall Identification Label.
^ If the brake pipe does NOT have the tooling mark (2), proceed to the next step of the inspection.
6. Clean and remove any dirt from the left front brake pipe and flare nut (3) where it connects to the ABS modulator under the vehicle. The left front pipe is on the top row and closest to the center of the vehicle.
7. Carefully inspect the brake pipe where the pipe goes into the flare nut for the same type of tooling mark (1) as shown above. The mark may be located at any point around the circumference of the pipe and a mirror flashlight may be required to see it. There will NOT be any of the spiral lines or grooves (2) in the tooling mark.
^ If the tooling mark IS present, then the brake pipe does NOT need to be replaced. Lower the vehicle and install the GM Recall Identification Label.
^ If the tooling mark is NOT present, then the brake pipe must be replaced. Proceed to the Replacement procedure, below.
Replacement Procedure
This replacement procedure should only be performed if the results of the Inspection procedure indicated that the brake pipe needed to be replaced. Bleeding of the hydraulic system is done using a pressure bleeder and is limited to the left front brake. This pressure bleeding procedure is a shortened version of the full vehicle procedure found in the Service Manual. As a result, the labor time included in this recall for bleeding the brake system is less.
Important
To avoid unnecessary brake fluid loss, have the new brake pipe ready to install before you begin removing the old pipe.
1. Disconnect the brake pipe (1) from the left front caliper brake hose fitting.
2. From underneath the vehicle, disconnect the other end of the brake pipe (1) from the ABS modulator located on the inboard side of the left frame rail.
3. Disconnect the pipe from the lower retainers on the frame.
4. Disconnect the pipe from the upper retainer on the frame.
5. Release the wiring harness from the retaining clips (2) on the frame and reposition the harness as necessary to allow for removal of the brake pipe.
6. Disconnect the wheel speed sensor harness connector (1) located on the outboard side of the left frame rail near the front caliper brake hose fitting.
7. From the left front wheelhouse, remove the brake pipe from the vehicle.
8. Position the new brake pipe to the vehicle and install it in the retainers on the frame.
Notice
To avoid damaging the threads on the ABS modulator, flare nuts, or the front brake hose fitting, use only your fingers to start the threads. Do not use tools to start threading the flare nut into the ABS modulator or the front brake hose fitting.
9. Connect the brake pipe to the ABS modulator and tighten the flare nut. Tighten to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
10. Connect the brake pipe to the left front caliper brake hose fitting. Tighten lighten the flare nut to 20 N.m (15 lb ft).
11. Position the wiring harness to the frame and secure in the retainers.
12. Connect the wheel speed sensor harness connector.
Important
Do not drive the vehicle until the brake pedal feels firm. Do not reuse brake fluid that is used during bleeding.
13. Lower the vehicle as necessary to allow for manual bleeding of the left front brake assembly.
Caution
Refer to Brake Fluid Caution in the Cautions and Notices in the appropriate Service Manual.
Notice
Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Notice in Cautions and Notices in the appropriate Service Manual.
Notice
When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container. The use of any type of fluid other than the recommended type of brake fluid may cause contamination, which could result in damage to the internal rubber seals and/or rubber linings of hydraulic brake system components.
Important
Clean the outside of the reservoir on and around the reservoir cap prior to removing the cap and diaphragm in the next step.
14. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with Delco Supreme 11(R), GM P/N 12377967, Canadian P/N 89021320, or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean sealed brake fluid container.
15. Install the J 35589-A to the brake master cylinder reservoir.
16. Check the brake fluid level in the J 29532, or equivalent. Add Delco Supreme 11(R) or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean sealed brake fluid container as necessary to bring the level to approximately the half-full point.
17. Connect the J 29532, or equivalent, to the J 35589-A.
18. Charge the J 29532, or equivalent, air tank to 175-205 kPa (25-30 psi).
19. Open the J 29532, or equivalent, fluid tank valve to allow pressurized brake fluid to enter the brake system.
20. Wait approximately 30 seconds, and then inspect the new left front brake pipe and fittings for leaks. Any brake leaks identified must be repaired prior to completing this bleed procedure.
21. Install a proper size box-end wrench onto the left front wheel hydraulic circuit bleeder valve (screw) located on the caliper.
22. Install a transparent hose over the end of the bleeder valve.
23. Submerge the open end of the transparent hose into a transparent container partially filled with DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
24. Loosen the bleeder valve to purge the air from the left front wheel hydraulic circuit. Allow fluid to flow until air bubbles stop flowing from the bleeder, and then tighten the bleeder valve.
25. Close the J 29532, or equivalent, fluid tank valve, and then disconnect the J 29532, or equivalent, form the J 35589-A.
26. Remove the J 35589-A from the brake master cylinder reservoir.
27. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11(R), or equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
28. Connect a Tech 2 to the vehicle's diagnostic link connector (DLC) and perform the automatic bleed procedure.
29. After completion of the automatic bleed procedure, slowly depress the brake fluid and verify that it feels firm. Release the pedal.
30. Verify that the fluid in the master cylinder reservoir is at the maximum-fill level.
31. Install the GM Recall Identification Label.