1997 GMC Safari Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

Certain general service procedures apply, regardless of whether the brakes are vacuum or hydraulically assisted. Only top quality, clean brake fluid should be used. More seals and valves are used with power brake systems than with ordinary brakes, so an inferior brake fluid will do much more damage. For the same reason, ensure all dirt is kept out of the system. Additionally, care must be taken not to mix the fluids of the booster hydraulic system and brake hydraulic system as the fluids are not compatible.

If the power unit fails, the brakes will still operate, as the convention...

Removal

Front

• Siphon brake fluid out of master cylinder until fluid level is approximately ^1/3 full, this will prevent fluid overflow when caliper piston is pushed back into its bore.
• Raise and support vehicle, then remove wheels.
• Push piston back into its bore using suitable C-clamp, Fig. .
• Remove two caliper mounting bolts and lift caliper off of rotor.

Rear

Blazer, Bravada & Jimmy

• Raise and support vehicle.
• Mark position of wheel to hub for installation reference.
• Remove wheel assembly.
• Remove mounting bolt and disconnect brake hose fitting from caliper. Discard gaskets and plug brake h...

Height Sensing Proportioning Valve

The height sensing proportioning valve must be adjusted whenever the valve and/or linkage is disassembled or removed for service. In addition, adjustment should be checked if excessive front wheel lock-up is experienced with a lower than desired brake application rate when vehicle is at or near maximum GVWR.

• Raise and support vehicle, leave wheels on and allow axle to hang freely.
• Remove lever retaining nut and disconnect lever from valve shaft, Fig. .
• Rotate valve shaft to permit installation of correct adjustment gauge, Fig. , ensure D shaped ho...

General System

• Inspect components for damage or unusual wear. Replace as required.
• Inspect backing plate mounting bolts and ensure they are tight.
• Inspect wheel cylinders. Excessive fluid indicates cup leakage and need for wheel cylinder replacement. Slight amount of fluid is always present and is considered normal, acting as lubricant for cylinder pistons.
• Check adjuster screw operation. If satisfactory, lightly lubricate adjusting screw and washer with suitable brake lube. If operation is unsatisfactory, replace.
• C clean rust and dirt from shoe contact surfaces on backing plate using fi...

Brake System Bleed

Gravity and vacuum bleeding procedures are not recommended for use with the anti-lock brake system. The manual bleed procedure is the preferred method, although pressure bleeding is also possible. Do not pump the brake pedal during the bleeding process, as fluid aeration may occur.

Manual Bleed

• Raise and support vehicle, then connect a clear plastic tube to brake bleed screw at righthand rear wheel.
• Place free end of tube in a glass jar partially filled with clean brake fluid. Ensure end of tube remains submerged in fluid and master cylinder reservoir is kept full.
• ...

2WD Models

Except Montana, Silhouette, Trans Sport & Venture

Front

• Raise and support vehicle.
• Remove tire and wheel assembly.
• Remove caliper as outlined under "Caliper Service."
• Remove grease cap from hub/rotor, Fig. .
• Remove cotter pin, nut and washer.
• Remove hub/rotor from spindle, being careful not to damage spindle threads or outer bearing.
• Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
• Apply high-temperature wheel bearing grease to inner and outer wheel bearings.
• Torque nut to 12 ft. lbs. while turning wheel assembly forward by hand, back nut off one flat or until hole in spindle...