Buick Regal: Hydraulic Brake Component Operation Visual Inspection

1.

WARNING: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning. CAUTION: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution.

With the tire and wheel assemblies removed and the brake rotors retained by wheel lug nuts, visually inspect the 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 caliper piston (1) in relation to the 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 caliper piston (1) for unrestricted and even movement during each apply of the brake system (5).
2. Observe the caliper piston (1) for an unrestricted and even return motion during each release of the brake system (6).

5. If the 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 caliper may require overhaul or 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, improper 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 properly supported at ride height in order to maintain the proper relationship of the flexible brake hoses to the chassis.

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, cracking, dry-rot, blisters, bulges

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 check for soft spots (2), indicating an internal restriction. Check 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

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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