Chevrolet Trax: Hydraulic brake component operation visual inspection

Disc Brake

Fig. 6: Hydraulic Brake Component Operation

1. With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained by wheel lug nuts, visually inspect the brake caliper piston dust boot (2) sealing area to ensure that there are no brake fluid leaks.
2. If any evidence of a brake fluid leak is present, the brake caliper requires overhaul or replacement.
3. While the brake system is at rest (4), observe the position of the brake caliper piston (1) in relation to the brake caliper housing.
4. Have an assistant apply and release the brake pedal several times while you observe the operation of the hydraulic brake caliper.

1. Observe the brake caliper piston (1) for unrestricted and even movement during each apply of the brake system (5).
2. Observe the brake caliper piston (1) for an unrestricted and even return motion during each release of the brake system (6).

5. If the brake caliper piston (1) did not exhibit unrestricted and even movement during brake system apply and/or release, the piston square seal (3) may be worn or damaged and the brake caliper may require overhaul or replacement.

Drum Brakes

Fig. 7: Wheel Cylinder Piston Boot sealing Areas

1. With the rear tire and wheel assemblies and the brake drums removed, visually inspect the wheel cylinder pistons boot sealing areas to ensure that there are no brake fluid leaks.
2. If any evidence of a brake fluid leak is present, the brake wheel cylinder requires replacement.
3. Using firm hand pressure, simultaneously and evenly apply force on both brake shoes in order to compress the wheel cylinder pistons into their bore.
4. Evenly release the force from both brake shoes to allow the wheel cylinder pistons to return.
5. If one or both of the wheel cylinder pistons did not exhibit unrestricted and even movement during apply and/or release of force, the wheel cylinder may require replacement.

BRAKE PIPE AND HOSE INSPECTION

WARNING: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning .

CAUTION: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution

1. Visually inspect all of the brake pipes for the following conditions:

• Kinks, incorrect routing, missing or damaged retainers
• Leaking fittings, excessive corrosion

2. If any of the brake pipes exhibited any of the conditions listed, then the identified pipe, or pipes, require replacement.
3. Ensure that the vehicle axles are correctly supported at ride height in order to maintain the proper relationship of the flexible brake hoses to the chassis.

Fig. 8: Flexible Brake Hose Inspection Points

4. Visually inspect all of the flexible brake hoses for the following conditions:

• Kinks (1), improper routing, twists, chafing, missing or damaged retainers
• Leaking connections, perished, cracked, blistered, brittle or bulging hoses

5. If any of the flexible brake hoses exhibited any of the conditions listed, then the identified flexible brake hose, or hoses require replacement.
6. Squeeze the flexible brake hoses with firm finger pressure to inspect for soft spots (2), indicating an internal restriction. Inspect the entire length of each flexible brake hose.
7. If any of the flexible brake hoses were found to have soft spots (2), then the identified flexible brake hose, or hoses require replacement.

BRAKE PEDAL PUSHROD INSPECTION

Fig. 9: Inspecting Brake Pedal Pushrod

1. Disconnect the brake pedal pushrod (2) from the brake pedal.
2. Reposition the pedal pushrod boot (1) toward the front of the vehicle to expose as much of the pedal pushrod (2) as possible.
3. Inspect the brake pedal pushrod (2) for straightness.
4. If the brake pedal pushrod (2) is not straight, then the pushrod requires replacement.
5. Return the pedal pushrod boot (1) to its original position on the pedal pushrod (2).
6. Connect the brake pedal pushrod (2) to the brake pedal.

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