Colorado 2WD V8-5.3L (2009)
Brake Bleeding: Service and Repair
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Hydraulic Brake System Flushing
Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (See: Service Precautions/Technician Safety Information/Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).
Caution: When adding fluid to the brake master cylinder reservoir, use only Delco Supreme 11(R), GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or
equivalent 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.
1. Inspect the brake fluid for the following conditions, indicating brake fluid contamination:
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Fluid separation, indicating two types of fluid are present; a substance other than the recommended brake fluid has been introduced into the
brake hydraulic system
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Swirled appearance - oil-based substance
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Layered appearance - silicone-based substance
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Fluid discoloration, indicating the presence of moisture or particles that have been introduced into the brake hydraulic system
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Cloudy appearance - moisture
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Dark appearance/suspended particles in fluid - dirt, rust, corrosion, brake dust
2. Inspect the master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and the reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets for swelling, indicating brake fluid
contamination.
3. If the brake fluid WAS contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, indicated by fluid separation and/or a swollen master
cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm and/or swollen reservoir-to-master cylinder grommets, perform the following:
1. Remove ALL of the following components listed from the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber seals/linings which have been
contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated:
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Master Cylinder Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Master Cylinder/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Master
Cylinder Replacement)
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Front Brake Hose Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Front Brake Hose Replacement)
*
Rear Brake Hose Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Rear Brake Hose Replacement)
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Brake Caliper Replacement (See: Disc Brake System/Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Brake Caliper Replacement)
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Wheel Cylinder Replacement (See: Drum Brake System/Wheel Cylinder/Service and Repair)
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Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement (See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems/Hydraulic Control Assembly - Antilock
Brakes/Service and Repair)
2. Clean out all the hydraulic brake pipes using denatured alcohol, or equivalent.
3. Dry the brake pipes using non-lubricated, filtered air.
4. Repair or replace ALL of the following components listed and install them to the vehicle. Each component contains internal rubber
seals/linings which have been contaminated by the contaminated brake fluid in the brake hydraulic system.
Refer to the procedures indicated:
*
Master Cylinder Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Master Cylinder/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Master
Cylinder Replacement) ; also perform the following:
Clean the brake master cylinder reservoir using denatured alcohol, or equivalent, then dry the reservoir using non-lubricated, filtered air.
Inspect the reservoir for cracks and/or damage and replace if necessary. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement (See: Hydraulic
System/Brake Master Cylinder/Service and Repair/Removal and Replacement/Master Cylinder Reservoir Replacement).
Replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm.
*
Front Brake Hose Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Front Brake Hose Replacement)
*
Rear Brake Hose Replacement (See: Hydraulic System/Brake Hose/Line/Service and Repair/Rear Brake Hose Replacement)
*
Brake Caliper Replacement (See: Disc Brake System/Brake Caliper/Service and Repair/Brake Caliper Replacement)
*
Wheel Cylinder Replacement (See: Drum Brake System/Wheel Cylinder/Service and Repair) , if equipped
*
Brake Pressure Modulator Valve Replacement (See: Antilock Brakes / Traction Control Systems/Hydraulic Control Assembly - Antilock
Brakes/Service and Repair)
4. If the brake fluid was NOT contaminated with an oil-based or a silicone-based substance, but WAS contaminated with water or dirt, rust,
corrosion, and/or brake dust, replace the brake master cylinder reservoir cap diaphragm. The diaphragm may have allowed the moisture or
particles to enter the hydraulic system.
5. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the maximum-fill level with Delco Supreme 11(R), GM P/N 12377967 (Canadian P/N 992667), or
equivalent DOT-3 brake fluid from a clean, sealed brake fluid container.
