1996 Buick Skylark Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Brake Roughness

The most common cause of brake chatter on disc brakes is a variation in thickness of the disc. If roughness or vibration is encountered during highway operation or if pedal pulsation is experienced at low speeds, the disc may have excessive thickness variation. To check for this condition, measure the disc at 12 points with a micrometer at a radius approximately one inch from edge of disc. If thic...

These brakes have self-adjusting shoe mechanisms that ensure correct lining-to-drum clearances at all times. The automatic adjusters operate only when the brakes are applied as the car is moving rearward.

Although the brakes are self-adjusting, an initial adjustment is necessary after the brake shoes have been relined or replaced, or when the length of the adjusting screw has been changed during some other service operation.

Frequent usage of an automatic transmission forward range to halt reverse vehicle motion may prevent the automatic adjusters from functioning, thereby inducing lo...

• Inspect components for damage and unusual wear. Replace as necessary.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Boots which are torn, cut or heat damaged indicate need for wheel cylinder replacement.
• On type 1 brakes, remove wheel cylinder links. Fluid spill from boot center hole indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement.
• On type 2 brakes, use a small screwdriver to pry center hole of boot away from piston. If fluid spills from center hole, cup leakage is indicated and wheel cylinder should be replaced.
• On all types, light fluid coatings on piston within cylinder is considered normal.
• ...

The caliper has a single piston and is mounted to the support bracket by two mounting bolts, Figs. through . The caliper assembly slides on the two mounting bolts. Upon brake application, fluid pressure against the piston forces the inboard s...

Manual

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic systems. However, if a pressure bleeder is unavailable, use the following procedure. Brake fluid damages painted surfaces. Immediately clean any spilled fluid.

• Remove vacuum reserve by pumping brakes several times with engine off.
• Fill master cylinder reservoir with clean brake fluid. Check fluid level often during bleeding procedure; do not let reservoir fall below half full.
• If necessary, bleed master cylinder as follows:
• Disconnect master cylinder forward brake line connection until fluid flows from reservoir. Reconnect ...

Brake Pedal

Toyota/GM Single Diaphragm Type

• With engine running and brake pedal in rest position, measure distance between face of pedal and floor mat.
• If distance is not 5.79-6.18 inches, adjust pedal height as follows:
• Remove left lower instrument panel trim section and air duct.
• Loosen stop lamp switch sufficiently to gain clearance for pedal adjustment.
• Loosen locknut and rotate pedal pushrod as needed to obtain specified pedal height, then tighten locknut.
• Adjust position of brake light switch so that plunger lightly contacts pedal stopper and brake lamps are off when pedal is release...