Brakes; Brake Fluid - GMC 2010 Savana 1500 Cargo Owner's Manual

Brakes

Brake Fluid

There are only two reasons why the brake fluid level in
the reservoir might go down:
•
The brake fluid level goes down because of normal
brake lining wear. When new linings are installed,
the fluid level goes back up.
•
A fluid leak in the brake hydraulic system can also
cause a low fluid level. Have the brake hydraulic
system fixed, since a leak means that sooner
or later the brakes will not work well.
The brake master cylinder
reservoir is filled with
DOT 3 brake fluid. See
Engine Compartment
Overview on page 6-14 for
the location of the
reservoir.
Do not top off the brake fluid. Adding fluid does not
correct a leak. If fluid is added when the linings
are worn, there will be too much fluid when new brake
linings are installed. Add or remove brake fluid, as
necessary, only when work is done on the brake
hydraulic system.
WARNING:
{
If too much brake fluid is added, it can spill on the
engine and/or fuel operated heater parts, if
equipped. If the vehicle has a diesel engine and a
fuel operated heater, see "Fuel Operated Heater
(FOH)" in the diesel engine supplement. The fluid
will burn if the engine is hot enough. You or others
could be burned, and the vehicle could be
damaged. Add brake fluid only when work is done
on the brake hydraulic system. See "Checking
Brake Fluid" in this section.
Refer to the Maintenance Schedule to determine when
to check the brake fluid. See Scheduled Maintenance
on page 7-3.
6-37